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ETHAN  ALLEN 

AND  THE 

GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 


Digitized  by  the  InternetArchive 
in  2016  with  funding  from 

University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign  Alternates 


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https://archive.Org/details/ethanallengreenm00depU_0 


ETHAN  ALLEN 

AND  THE 

GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES 


OF  ’76. 


WITH  A SKETCH  OF  THE 

EARLY  HISTORY  OF  VERMONT. 


BY  HENRY  W.  DE  PITY. 

AUTHOR  OF  “ LOUIS  NAPOLEON  AND  HIS  TIMES,”  “ KOSSUTH,  AC.” 


BUFFALO: 

PHINNEY  & CO.,  188  MAIN  STREET. 


1859. 


Kneered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1856,  by 
PHINNEY  & CO., 

In  the  Clerk’s  tffice  of  the  District  Court  for  the  Northern  District 
of  New  York. 


CONTENTS, 


Introduction 


11 


CHAPTER  I. 

EARLY  HISTORY  OF  VERMONT. 

Early  Discoveries-Cartier  at  Hotehelaga— Interview  with  the  Na- 
tives-Return  to  France-Champlain-His  Di&oyeries-Hudson- 
The  Green  Mountains-The  Six  Nations-The  Adirondacks-Fire 
Arms-Torture  of  a Prisoner-War  between  the  French  and 
Indians — Corlear — French  Expedition  against  the  Mohawks— First 
English  Prisoners  in  Canada— Montreal  attacked  by  the  Indians— 
Massacre  at  Schenectady-French  Invasion  of  Hew  Hampshire- 
Death  of  Major  Waldron— English  Expedition  against  Canada— Sir 
William  Phipps-Captain  John  Schuyler-French  Emulation  of 
Indian  Cruelty-Burning  of  Deerfield-REV.  John  Willi AMS-The 
March  over  the  Green  Mountains-Death  of  Mrs.  Williams-The 
Forest  Sermon-The  Daring  Boy-Sufferings  of  the  Captives- 
Ransom  of  Rev.  Mr.  Williams-The  Bell  of  St.  Regis-Border 
Warfare-Colonial  War  with  Canada-English  Army  on  Lake 
Champlain— Fleet  on  the  St.  Lawrence— Peace— First  Settlements 
in  Vermont  — Froritignac — Joliet — Exploration  of  the  Missis- 
gippi — Lake  Champlain — Crown  Point-Progress  of  the  English 
and  French  Colonies— Fort  Dummer— Lovewell’s  War— The 
Jesuit  Rolle— Siege  of  Louisbourg— Indian  Depredations— Mas- 
sacre at  Fort  Massachusetts— Heroio  Defense  of  “ Number  Four  " 
Captain  Hobbs-Saratoga-The  Abbe  Picquet-French  War  of 

1756 sir  William  Johnson— Expedition  against  the  French 

Johnson’s  Victory  over  Dicskau-Indian  Depredations-Captain 
Johnson-Subjugation  of  Canada  again  undertaken  - General 
Abercrombie — J ohn  Stark-HIs  Intrepidity-Montcalm  s Ad- 
vances toward  Fort  William  Henry-Massacre  at  Fort  Edward- 
Israel  Putnam— William  Pitt— Putnam’s  Battle  with  Fire 


vi 


CONTENTS. 


Abercrombie’s  Defeat  at  Ticonderoga — Capture  of  Putnam— Cru- 
elties inflicted  upon  him — Attempt  to  burn  him — Rescue — The 
Fair  Captive — Amherst  takes  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point — 
Destruction  of  the  Village  of  St  Francis — General  Wolfe — His 
Death  and  Victoiy  at  Quebec — Death  of  Montcalm — Vaudreuil 
defeated  at  Montreal — Canada  surrendered  to  the  English — Close 
of  the  French  War, 13  to  116 


CHAPTER  II 

THE  NEW-HAMPSHIRE  GRANTS. 

The  Peace  of  1763 — Advance  of  the  English  Settlements — The 
Delius  Grant — Conflicting  Grants  by  the  British  Crown — Contro- 
versies arising  therefrom — New- York  Charter — Correspondence 
between  the  Governors  of  New  Hampshire  and  New  York — 
Charter  of  Bennington — Grants  of  Lands  by  the  Governor  of  New 
Hampshire — Proclamation  of  Governor  Colden — Counter-Procla- 
mation— Appeal  to  the  King — An  Ambiguous  Decree — Excitement 
among  the  People — Agent  sent  to  England — Determination  to 
repel  the  New- York  Claimants — Ethan  Allen — His  early  Life — 
He  becomes  interested  in  the  New-Hampshire  Grants — Journal  of 
Ira  Allen — Scheme  of  a Land  Speculator — The  Allens  in  New 
York — Ira  Allen’s  Foresight — Adventure  with  a Ghost — Seth 
Warner — Personal  Appearance  of  Warner— His  Favorite  Pur- 
suits— Capt.  Remember  Baker — Is  a Soldier  in  the  French  War — 
Removes  to  the  New-Hampshire  Grants— Samuel  Robinson — Set- 
tlement of  Bennington — Establishment  of  a Church  and  a 
School — Jedediah  Dewey — Oppressive  Measures  of  New  York — 
Indictments — Convention  of  the  Settlers — Samuel  Robinson — The 
King’s  Order — It  is  disregarded  by  Governor  Tryon — Procla- 
mation— Indictments — Ejectment  Trials  at  Albany — Anecdote  of 
Allen — New  Attempts  to  deprive  the  People  of  their  Property — 
Defensive  Measures — “ Hideous  Groans  ” — The  Green-Mountain 
Boys— Reward  offered  for  the  Arrest  of  Allen — Allen’s  Proclama- 
tion—His  Courage — Attack  upon  Captain  Baker’s  House — His 
Capture  and  Rescue — Attempt  to  arrest  Warner — A Rumored 
Invasion — Conciliation — Allen’s  Protest — Joy  in  Bennington — 
Quarrel  Renewed — Letter  to  Governor  Tryon — The  “ Beech- 
Seal  ” — The  Scotch  Emigrants — Proceedings  in  Clarendon — “ The 


CONTENTS. 


Vll 


Bloody  Law  ” — Allen’s  Opinion  of  it — Public  Meetings — Doctor 
Samuel  Adams — Benjamin  Hough — Allen’s  Certificate — Trials  of 
the  Pioneers — Tyranny  of  the  Government — Rescue  of  a Pris- 
oner— Treason  Trials — Murder  of  William  French — Dawn  of  the 
Revolution, 116  to  196 


CHAPTER  III. 

ETHAN  ALLEN. 

Character  of  the  Patriots  of  ’76 — Ethan  Allen — His  Position — Re- 
view of  the  Causes  which  produced  the  Revolution — The  Stamp 
Act — The  Tea  Tax — The  First  Congress— Measures  of  Resist- 
ance— Contemplated  Enterprise  against  Ticonderoga  — Ethan 
Allen  chosen  its  Leader — His  Plan — The  Boy-Guide — Allen 
crosses  the  Lake — The  Fortress  attacked — Confusion  of  the 
Enemy — Allen  and  Delaplace — Surrender  of  the  Garrison — Crown 
Point  and  Skenesborough  Secured — Arnold’s  Naval  Victory — 
Allen  and  Congress — Allen  and  Parson  Dewey — Capture  of 
Allen — Narrative  of  Allen’s  Captivity — His  Account  of  the 
Victory  at  Ticonderoga — He  falls  into  the  Hands  of  the  Enemy — 

A Singular  Shield — Barbarity  of  Colonel  Prescott — Allen  put  in 
Irons — The  Tenpenny  Nail — Allen’s  Challenge  of  Doctor  Dace — 
Magnanimity  of  Captain  Littlejohn — The  Duel — Reliance  upon 
Allen’s  Honor — Cruel  Treatment  of  Prisoners — The  Petty  Ty- 
rant— Voyage  to  England — Allen’s  Sufferings — Landing  at  Fal- 
mouth— Expected  Execution  of  Allen — His  Letter  to  Congress — 
Reflections  upon  Death — Conversations  with  his  Visitors — Captain 
Symonds — The  Generous  Irishmen — Allen  sails  from  England — 
The  Voyage — Arrival  in  America — From  Bad  to  Worse — Meeting 
with  old  Enemies — Illness — Cruelty  and  Kindness — Mrs.  Blac- 
den — Removal  to  New  York — A Humane  Commander — Allen’s 
Gratitude — The  Prison  Ship— Battle  of  Bennington — Allen  on 
Parole — The  American  Prisoners  in  New  York — Barbarity  of  the 
British — Incredible  Sufferings — Starvation,  Disease  and  Death — 
Washington — General  Howe — The  British  Bribe — Allen’s  Reply — 
Allen  and  Rivington — Captain  Vandyke  — Mr.  Miller — Majors 
Wells  and  Paine — Mr.  Fell — Evacuation  of  Ticonderoga — Battle 
of  Hubbardton — Triumph  of  Allen — Burgoyne’s  Surrender — 
Burgoyne’s  Proclamation — Allen  and  the  British  Officer — Allen’s 
liberation — His  Return  to  Vermont, 196  to  279 


viii 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

THE  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

Charter  of  the  Early  Settlers  of  this  Country — Influence  of  their 
Example — The  Puritans  and  the  Followers  of  Penn — Indian  Con- 
verts— Origin  of  the  Revolution — Reflections  on  the  Character  and 
Services  of  Congress— Declaration  of  Independence — Bunker 
Hill — Ticonderoga — Campaign  of  1775 — General  Montgomery — 
General  Schuyler — Montgomery  enters  Canada — Death  of  Captain 
Baker — Ethan  Allen — Siege  of  St.  John’s — Mutiny — James 
Livingston — Surrender  of  Fort  Chambly — Seth  Warner — The 
Green-Mountain  Rangers — Repulse  of  Carleton — Surrender  of  St 
John’s — Carleton’s  Retreat  from  Montreal — Extraordinary  March 
of  Arnold — The  British  retire  to  Quebec — The  Assault  Begun — 
Death  of  Montgomery — The  Cowardly  Commanders — Honors  to 
Montgomery — His  Character — His  Widow — Arnold — Major  Mor- 
gan— Retreat  of  the  Americans — Reinforcements — Energy  of 
Warner — General  Gates — Naval  Preparations — Battle  on  Lake 
Champlain — Plans  of  the  British — Supplies  for  Ticonderoga — 
Close  of  the  Campaign  of  1776 — General  Carleton — The  Green- 
Mountain  Pledge — Burgoyne — The  Campaign  Opened — Evacua- 
tion of  Ticonderoga — General  St.  Clair — Retreat  of  the  Americans 
— Battle  of  Hubbardton — Advance  of  the  British — Jane  McCrea— * 
Account  of  her  Murder— rA  New-Hampshire  Patriot — General 
Stark — Movements  of  Burgoyne — The  Foray  upon  the  Green 
Mountains— Battle  at  Cambridge— Skirmishing — Rain — The  Bel- 
licose Parson — Stark’s  Speech  — Battle  of  Bennington — The 
British  Reinforced — The  Victory  at  Bennington — General  Stark’s 
Account — Colonels  Warner  and  Herrick — Honor  to  General  Stark’s 
Genius  — Important  Consequences  of  this  Victory — Censure  of 
Stark  in  Congress  changed  to  Thanks — General  Burgoyne’s  Opin- 
ion of  his  Antagonist  changed — Spoils  and  Trophies — Expenses 
of  Stark’s  Brigade — Traveled  Cannon— British,  German  and  Tory 
Prisoners — Lions  and  Lambs — Curiosity  to  see  Lord  Napier — A 
Bereaved  Mother — General  Lincoln — Colonels  Brown  and  Johnson 
at  Lake  George— Brown’s  Success— Generals  Gates  and  Burgoyne 
— Engagement  at  Saratoga — British  Testimony  to  American  Patri- 
otism—The  Spirit  of  ’76 ; Death  rather  than  Dishonor— Burgoyne’s 
Difficulties  thicken — He  Surrenders — Medal  and  Thanks  to  General 


CONTENTS. 


ix 


Gates — Feats  of  the  Green-Mountain  Boys — British  Retreat  from 
Ticonderoga,  with  loss — Difficulties  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  New- 
Hampshire  Grants — Their  Need  of  a Government — Declare  their 
Independence  as  a State — Congress  refuses  to  receive  them — They 
form  a Constitution — Council  of  Safety — Its  Officers  and  Powers 
— Ira  Allen  on  Ways  and  Means — A Regiment  raised  and  paid 
from  Tory  Property — Governor  Chittenden — Incidents  of  his  Life 
— Ira  Allen  Secretary  of  State — His  Appearance  and  Services — 
Measures  of  Vermont  opposed — Ethan  Allen’s  Return — His 
Welcome — His  Military  Distinction — Is  Agent  from  Vermont  to 
Congress — Governor  Clinton’s  Proclamation — General  Allen’s 
Counter-Proclamation — He  advocates  Law  and  Order — A Hanging 
Postponed — Excitement  in  consequence — General  Allen’s  Speech 
— “ Somebody  shall  be  Hanged” — General  Allen’s  Quarrel  with 
his  Brother  Levi — The  Tooth-drawing — Colonel  Seth  Warner — 
Dies  in  Poverty — Inscription  on  his  Tomb — His  Widow’s  Petition 
to  Congress — Widow  Storey — Her  Secret  Retreat — Destruction  of 
Royalton — Pursuit  of  the  Indians — Their  Kindness  to  Female 
Prisoners — Anecdotes  of  the  Indians — Daring  of  Mrs.  Stone — Mrs. 
Barker  and  her  Infants — Adverse  Claims  for  Vermont  Territory — 
Congress  censures  Vermont — Vermont  extends  its  Territory — 
Poetry  for  the  Green-Mountaineers — British  Overtures  to  Ethan 
Allen — Allen’s  Letter  to  Congress — General  Haldimand  negotiates 
privately  with  Vermont  Leaders — Allen  and  Fay  mislead  the 
English— Their  Commission — General  Haldimand’s  Instruction  to 
his  Agent — The  Agent’s  Notes  of  Interviews — Ira  Allen’s  Ingen- 
ious Delays — Notice  of  his  Career — Washington  reconciles  Ver- 
mont and  Congress — Feeling  of  the  People — Difficulties  with  New 
York — Ethan  Allen  suppresses  Insurrection — His  Characteristic 
Proclamation — Vermont  admitted  an  Independent  State,  1789 — 
Ethan  Allen’s  Retirement — Becomes  an  Author — Character  of  his 
Book — A popular  Anecdote  of  him  Contradicted — His  Integrity — 
Scene  in  Court — Changes  his  Residence — Characteristic  Courtship 
of  his  Second  Wife — Amusing  Account  of  the  Marriage — “ The 
Church  Militant  and  the  Church  Military  ” — Allen’s  Kindness — 
The  Lost  Children  Found — Tribute  to  his  Patriotism — His  Death 
— Inscription  on  his  Tomb 279  to  42& 


( 


V 


- • V 


\ 

, 


. 

' 


I 


INTRODUCTION. 


“ F ar  be  from  me  or  my  friends,”  says  a distinguished  writer, 
“such  frigid  philosophy,  as  may  conduct  us,  indifferent  and 
unmoved,  over  any  ground  that  has  been  dignified  by  wisdom, 
bravery  or  virtue.  The  man  is  little  to  be  envied  whose  patriot- 
ism would  not  gain  force  upon  the  plains  of  Marathon,  or  whose 
piety  would  not  grow  warm  among  the  ruins  of  Iona.”  And 
thus,  among  the  objects  that  attract  the  attention  of  people,  in 
all  countries,  as  they  advance  in  civilization,  few  are  sought  with 
more  avidity  than  the  facts  concerning  their  early  history. 

Our  patriotism  is  warmed,  and  our  virtue  is  strengthened, 
while  gazing  upon  the  fields  where  the  blood  of  our  ancestors 
was  shed  in  defense  of  liberty,  or  while  perusing  the  story  of  the 
perils,  sufferings,  and  self-sacrificing  heroism  of  those  who  won 
our  national  independence.  Nothing,  therefore,  can  tend  more 
strongly  to  the  preservation  of  the  liberties  of  our  own  favored 
and  happy  country,  than  a familiarity  with  the  deeds,  and  an 
admiration  for  the  character,  of  our  revolutionary  ancestors. 
Our  glorious  institutions  can  be  in  no  danger  while  there  is  a 
sentiment  of  patriotism  among  *the  people,  which  glows  at 
die  recital  of  our  country’s  renown,  and  which  cherishes  the 


xii 


INTRODUCTION. 


memory  of  its  heroes.  To  foster  this  feeling,  as  well  as  to  direct 
attention  to  a class  of  patriots  whose  claims  to  the  grateful  re- 
membrance of  those  who  enjoy  the  blessings  of  free  institutions 
have  been  too  much  disregarded,  is  the  design  of  the  present 
volume. 

No  portion  of  our  country  has  a history  so  replete  with 
stirring  events  as  that  bordering  upon  Lake  Champlain.  Situ 
ated  between  the  French  province  of  Canada  and  the  English 
colonies,  and  simultaneously  claimed  by  each,  it  was,  for  one 
hundred  and  fifty  years,  the  grand  highway  of  their  warlike 
expeditions  against  each  other,  and  the  scene  upon  which  their 
bloodiest  and  most  hotly  contested  battles  were  fought.  Here 
many  of  the  heroes  of  the  American  Revolution  received  their 
first  experience  in  the  art  of  war,  and  achieved  that  renown  which 
afterward  placed  them  at  the  head  of  armies  whose  noble  pur- 
pose sanctified  their  resort  to  the  awful  arbitrament  of  battle. 
There,  too,  the  most  powerful  and  threatening  army  sent  out  to 
crush  the  freedom  of  this  country,  began  its  march  in  triumph, 
and  there  ended  it  in  a most  disastrous  defeat.  The  history  of 
the  Green-Mountain  state,  which  stretches  along  the  east  shore 
of  Lake  Champlain,  is  so  closely  interwoven  with  that  of  the 
armies  which  have  trodden  its  soil,  and  of  the  wars  in  which 
they  were  engaged,  that  the  one  cannot  be  fairly  written  to  the 
exclusion  of  the  other. 

In  addition  to  the  usual  authorities  on  American  history  con- 
sulted in  the  preparation  of  this  volume,  especial  indebtedness 
to  the  following  is  acknowledged  — Slade’s  Vermont  State 


INTRODUCTION. 


xiii 


Papers — Williams’  and  Thompson’s  Histories  of  Vermont' — 
and  Chipman’s  Lives  of  Warner,  Chittenden  and  Chipman. 
These  are  all  Vermont  authors.  Rev.  Samuel  Williams,  D.  D., 
author  of  the  first  History  of  Vermont,  was  the  grandson 
of  Rev.  John  Williams,  the  “ Deerfield  Captive,”  and  father  of 
Charles  K.  Williams,  for  many  years  Chief  Justice  of  Vermont, 
and  recently  the  popular  governor  of  that  state.  He  was  one 
of  the  founders  and  the  principal  benefactor  of  the  University 
of  Vermont,  at  Burlington.  For  several  years  he  employed  his 
talents,  almost  if  not  quite  gratuitously,  in  delivering  lectures  in 
natural  philosophy,  and  in  forwarding  the  progress  of  the  Uni- 
versity. With  only  four  hundred  and  eighty  dollars  raised  by 
subscription,  he  purchased  the  first  philosophical  apparatus  for 
the  institution.  That  this  apparatus  might  be  as  complete  as 
possible,  Dr.  Williams  expended  the  money  in  the  most  frugal 
manner,  admitting  nothing  of  foreign  manufacture  which  eould 
be  made  at  home,  and  nothing  of  brass  where  it  might  be  made 
of  wood.  Dr.  Williams  had  removed  to  Vermont  as  early  as 
1777,  and  resided  at  Rutland.  In  1793,  he  published  his 
History  of  Vermont,  in  one  volume.  The  narrative  was  then 
brought  down  to  the  Revolutionary  war ; but  the  work  was 
afterward  greatly  enlarged,  and,  in  1809,  was  published  in  two 
volumes  of  about  five  hundred  pages  each.  The  history  of  the 
itate  was  brought  down  to  the  period  of  the  publication  of  the 
vork.  The  few  copies  of  it  yet  in  existence  are  highly  prized. 
The  copy  which  the  writer  of  this  obtained,  although  much 
worn,  printed  on  coarse  paper,  and  roughly  bound,  cost  as  much 


XIV 


INTRODUCTION. 


as  a dozen  volumes  of  new  works  got  up  in  the  most  faultless 
modern  style.  Rev.  Zadock  Thompson,  of  Burlington,  has  also 
published  a large  work  of  six  hundred  pages  of  small  type, 
comprising  the  Natural  and  Civil  History  and  a Gazetteer  of  the 
state.  It  is  a work  of  great  research  and  value,  and  as  a large 
portion  of  it  can  be  of  especial  interest  to  Vermonters  only,  it 
should  hold  a prominent  place  in  the  library  of  every  citizen  of 
that  state. 

The  compiler  is  indebted  to  the  courtesy  of  several  gentlemen 
of  Vermont  for  important  assistance  in  the  preparation  of  these 
pages.  From  the  Hon.  Charles  K.  Williams  was  received  a file 
of  the  “State  Banner,”  published  at  Bennington  in  1841,  and 
containing  a series  of  “Historical  Readings,”  by  Hon.  Hiland 
Hall,  which  have  been  freely  used  in  the  portion  of  this  work 
relating  to  the  difficulties  between  New  York  and  the  New* 
Hampshire  Grants.  From  George  F.  Houghton,  Esq.,  of  St. 
Albans,  many  valuable  suggestions  were  derived,  as  well  as  a 
most  eloquent  address  on  the  Life  of  Seth  Warner,  delivered  by 
him  before  the  Vermont  legislature.  This  and  two  other  ad- 
dresses, by  Prof.  James  D.  Butler,  on  the  early  history  of  Vermont, 
have  supplied  these  pages  with  several  important  incidents  not 
found  elsewhere.  Chauncey  Goodrich,  Esq.,  of  Burlington,  and 
Brigadier-general  Ethan  Allen  Hitchcock,  (grandson  of  the  “ Hero 
of  Ticonderoga,”  ) also  communicated  facts  which  have  enriched 
the  present  work. 

Hon.  Henry  Stevens,  the  distinguished  antiquary  of  Vermont, 
courteously  placed  a considerable  portion  of  his  large  and 


INTRODUCTION. 


XV 


invaluable  collection  of  State  Papers  at  the  disposal  of  tne 
compiler.  For  many  years,  Mr.  Stevens  has  been  indefatigable 
in  collecting  documents  concerning  the  early  history  of  Vermont. 
The  papers  of  the  early  settlers  of  the  state — the  correspond- 
ence of  Revolutionary  officers  — and  the  documents  in  the 
archives  of  the  nation,  or  oopies  of  them,  have  been  treasured 
up  by  Mr.  Stevens.  Vermont  is  under  great  obligations  to  him 
for  his  services  in  searching  for  and  arranging  official  papers  and 
other  testimony  touching  the  origin,  progress,  and  final  consum- 
mation of  the  struggle  which  resulted  in  giving  to  the  American 
Switzerland  that  proud  individuality  of  which  it  so  justly  boasts. 
Vermont  will  only  do  justice  to  itself,  its  founders,  and  to  Mr. 
Stevens,  when  these  records  of  a state  whose  history  is  more 
remarkable  than  that  of  any  other  in  the  union,  are  placed 
hefore  the  public.  When  this  is  done,  the  world  will  be  satisfied 
that  these  early  settlers  were  men  of  no  common  mould,  and 
their  services  will  be  better  understood  and  more  gratefully 
appreciated  than  at  present. 

For  a mere  handful  of  men  to  resist  the  combined  efforts  of 
New  York  on  the  one  side  and  New  Hampshire  on  the  other, 
while  repulsed  if  not  rejected  by  the  home  government,  and 
menaced  by  a foreign  foe  — involved  the  exercise  of  no  ordinary 
sagacity,  and  an  amount  of  nerve  and  energy  with  which,  in 
this  day,  we  are  not  familiar.  But  so  it  was.  While  maintain- 
ing an  open  war  with  the  neighboring  states,  they  protected  the 
whole  line  of  our  frontier  by  keeping  on  terms  with  the  common 
enemy,  while  at  the  same  time  they  rendered  moie  efficient  aid 


XVI 


INTRODUCTION. 


to  the  government  which  discarded  them,  than  either  of  the 
states  alluded  to.  The  official  correspondence  with  Washing* 
ton  — comprised  in  the  Papers  of  Mr.  Stevens — goes  to 
demonstrate  this  beyond  a doubt. 

The  engraving  of  the  Heroic  Statue  of  Gen.  Ethan  Allen  will 
be  regarded  as  an  attractive  feature  of  the  present  volume.  The 
Statue  is  the  production  of  B.  H.  Kinney  Esq.,  a young  and  self- 
taught  Vermont  artist;  and,  although  his  first  great  undertaking,  is 
of  promising  excellence,  and  gives  evidence  of  a high  order  of  art- 
istic ability.  It  is  the  length  and  breadth,  the  depth  and  power  of 
Ethan  Allen,  morally  and  historically  considered,  and  in  his  phys- 
ical no  less  than  in  his  intellectual  characteristics, — an  artistic 
realization  of  one  of  the  most  practical  and  common-sense 
characters  that  ever  lived.  Those  who  look  upon  it  are  at  once 
convinced  that  it  is  an  actual  likeness  of  the  Hero  of  Ticonde- 
roga.  This  is  the  best  evidence  of  the  genius  of  the  sculptor, 
that  his  work  is  invariably  regarded  as  a truthful  representation. 
The  statue  is  of  heroic  size  — one-third  larger  than  life — and 
represents  the  subject  in  a bold,  commanding  attitude ; his  camp 
cloak  thrown  from  his  left  and  resting  on  his  right  shoulder;  his 
hand  grasping  the  sword  at  his  side;  and  his  whole  expression 
resolute  and  full  of  energy  — as  if  he  had  just  uttered  those 
memorable  words  at  Ticonderoga,  and  intended  to  see  his 
demands  complied  with  at  all  hazards.  The  engraving  is  the 
more  valuable  as  it  is  the  only  picture  of  the  statue  that  the 
sculptor  has  permitted  to  be  engraved.  As  the  reader  may  be 
interested  to  know  something  more  of  Mr.  Kinney,  the  following 


INTRODUCTION. 


XVII 


notice  of  his  career,  as  furnished  by  himself  in  a private  letter 
to  a friend,  will  appropriately  close  this  notice  of  his  statue : 

“ I was  bred,  from  infancy  to  manhood,  in  the  town  of  Sunderland, 
Bennington  county,  Vermont  — the  town  in  which  Ethan  Allen  first 
lived,  and  which  for  nearly  twenty  years  was  his  residence.  During 
my  boyhood  I listened  to  the  tales  respecting  the  great  hero  of  the  Green 
Mountains,  with  those  thrilling  emotions  and  the  wild  delight  which  are 
only  known  to  mountaineers.  Many  were  the  acts  of  “ desperate  valor/1 
performed  by  my  schoolmates  and  myself,  in  sham  fights  emulating 
the  daring  deeds  of  the  Green -Mountain  Heroes  of  ’76.  And  the 
impression  which  I received  at  that  time  of  the  noble  spirit  of  patriotism 
which  stimulated  the  fearless  and  true-hearted  Hero  of  Ticonderoga,  has 
grown  brighter  and  brighter  as  I have  grown  to  years  of  manhood,  and 
witnessed  the  neglect  of  duty  to  their  country,  in  the  pursuit  of  selfish 
ends,  so  characteristic  of  a considerable  portion  of  the  prominent  men 
of  this  age.  This  is  the  reason  of  my  selecting  Ethan  Allen  as  the  first 
great  subject  of  my  labors  in  rny  favorite  art.’* 


-• 

. 

. 

' 

' 

' 

. 

. 


MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 


CHAPTER  I. 

EARLY  HISTORY  OF  VERMONT. 

« the  savages,  of  murderous  soul, 

In  painted  bands,  dark  to  the  combat  roll, 

With  midnight  orgies,  by  the  gloomy  shade, 

On  the  pale  victim  point  the  reeking  blade ; 

Or  cause  the  hamlet,  lulled  in  deep  repose, 

No  more  to  wake,  or  wake  to  ceaseless  woes.” 

Humphreys. 

Of  the  adventurous  band  of  navigators,  who,  early 
in  the  sixteenth  century,  sailed  westward  in  the  wake 
of  those  frail  caravels,  the  Mina,  Pinta,  and  Santa 
Maria,  James  Cartier,  a Frenchman,  was  the  first  to 
explore  the  interior  of  the  vast  continent  to  which 
Columbus  had  led  the  way.  While  sailing  along  the 
Atlantic  coast,  in  1534,  in  search  of  a passage  to  China, 
he  discovered  the  mouth  of  a great  river,  to  which  he 
subsequently  gave  the  name  of  “St.  Lawrence.”*  The 
following  spring,  in  the  belief  that  the  St.  Lawrence 
was  the  desired  channel  to  the  East  Indies,  a larger  ex- 
pedition was  equipped,  which  Cartier  conducted  direct 
to  this  noble  stream,  and  sailed  two  hundred  leagues 
inland.  There  the  navigation  was  obstructed  by  “a 

• Thus  named  in  honor  of  the  Saint  whose  festival  occurred  on  the 
day  (10th  August)  of  its  discovery. 


20  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

great  and  swift  fall.”  At  this  point,  Cartier  found  a 
large  Indian  village,  bearing  the  name  of  Hochelaga. 
The  population  was  more  numerous,  the  wigwams 
were  more  substantially  built,  and  the  town  was  more 
strongly  fortified  than  any  other  occupied  by  the  abo- 
rigines, of  which  the  early  settlers  of  the  country  have 
given  a description.  Cartier  conciliated  the  natives  by 
presents  of  hatchets,  beads  and  rings — 'articles  more 
magnificent  than  any  of  which  they  had  previously  had 
a conception  — and  they  regarded  him  and  his  associ- 
ates as  celestial  beings.  To  Cartier  all  was  so  new  and 
strange,  that  he  almost  deemed  himself  transported  to 
some  land  of  enchantment.  He  erected  a fort  where 
the  city  of  Montreal  now  stands,  calling  it,  in  honor  of 
his  king,  Mount  Royal.  There  he  passed  the  winter, 
formed  alliances  with  the  Indians,  and  took  formal  pos- 
session of  the  country,  which  he  named  Hew  France. 
Ascending  the  hill  which  towered  above  his  fortress, 
and  overlooked  the  country  for  many  miles  around,  he 
was  enraptured  with  the  scene  upon  which  he  gazed. 
Before  him  the  mighty  St.  Lawrence,  coming  solemnly 
from  an  unknown  land,  rolled  on  majestically  toward 
the  ocean ; the  distant  horizon  was  bounded  by  the  lofty 
mountains  of  Vermont,*  crowned  with  perpetual  ver- 
dure ; while  illimitable  forests,  robed  in  the  gorgeous 
hues  of  autumn,  were  spread  out  before  him  in  every 
direction.  Donnacona,  the  Indian  king  who  conducted 
him  to  the  summit  of  the  hill,  informed  him  that  he 
might  sail  westward  on  the  great  river,  for  three 
moons — passing  through  several  immense  lakes  — 

* So  called  when  the  state  was  organized,  from  two  French  words* 
verd,  green,  and  mont,  mountain. 


DISCOVERIES  OF  CARTIER. 


21 


without  reaching  its  source;  that  the  river  had  its 
origin  in  a sea  of  fresh  water  to  which  no  limits  were 
known.  Far  to  the  south-west,  he  continued,  there  was 
another  great  river,*  which  ran  through  a country 
where  there  was  no  ice  or  snow ; to  the  north,  there 
was  a large  inland  sea  of  salt  water, f extending  to  a 
region  of  perpetual  ice;  while  southward  there  were 
rivers  and  smaller  lakes,  penetrating  a beautiful  and 
fertile  country,  belonging  to  a powerful  and  warlike 
nation  called  the  Iroquois. 

The  next  spring,  Cartier,  taking  with  him  Donna- 
cona  and  several  of  the  natives,  returned  to  France, 
and  represented  to  the  king  the  advantages  that  would 
result  from  a settlement  in  this  country,  principally 
by  means  of  the  fur  trade ; but  the  fallacious  opinion 
then  prevalent  among  all  the  nations  of  Europe,  that 
such  countries  only  as  produced  gold  and  silver  were 
worth  the  possession,  had  such  influence  on  the  mon- 
arch, that  he  slighted  the  judicious  advice  of  Cartier, 
and  deferred  making  any  establishment  in  Canada. 
But,  although  this  object  was  generally  neglected,  some 
individuals  entertained  just  views  of  its  importance ; 
and  among  the  most  zealous  for  prosecuting  discov- 
eries and  making  a settlement  there,  was  Roberval,  a 
nobleman  of  Picardy.  The  king,  at  length  convinced 
of  the  expediency  of  the  measure,  resolved  to  send 
Cartier,  accompanied  by  this  nobleman,  again  to  Can- 
ada. The  expedition  was  undertaken  in  1540,  and  aD 
attempt  was  made  to  found  a colony ; but  in  the 
course  of  a year  or  two,  the  enterprise  was  abandoned. 
The  colony  was  broken  up,  and  for  upward  of  half  a 


The  Ohio. 


t Hudson’s  Bay. 


22  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROE8. 

century,  the  French  made  no  further  attempt  to  estab- 
lish themselves  on  the  St.  Lawrence. 

In  1600,  one  Chauvin,  a commander  in  the  French 
navy,  made  a voyage  to  Canada,  from  which  he  re- 
turned, with  a profitable  cargo  of  furs.  The  public 
now  began  to  turn  more  attention  to  this  country.  An 
armament  was  equipped,  and  the  command  given  to 
Pontgran.  He  sailed  in  1603.  Five  years  afterward, 
Samuel  de  Champlain,  who  had  accompanied  Pont- 
gran’s  expedition,  founded  the  city  of  Quebec.*  In 
1609,  accompanied  by  several  friendly  Indians,  he 
proceeded  to  the  locality  described  by  Cartier.  He 
afterward  sailed  up  the  Richelieu  or  Sorel  river,  and 
entered  a lake  to  which  he  gave  his  own  name.f  He 
also  visited  Lake  George,  which,  from  the  extreme 
purity  of  its  waters,  he  called  St.  Sacrament.^  It  is 
inferred  from  his  own  narrative,  that  he  then  proceeded 
across  the  country,  and  touched  the  Hudson  river  at 
Glen’s  Falls.  During  the  same  season,  Henry  Hudson 
sailed  up  the  river  to  which  his  name  is  given,  as  far 
as  Albany.  Possibly,  at  the  same  time  that  Champlain 
was  resting  near  the  head  waters  of  the  Hudson,  the 
English  navigator  was  encamped  scarcely  forty  miles 
below.  Strange  that  two  adventurers,  in  the  service 
of  different  sovereigns,  ruling  three  thousand  miles 

* This  was  the  original  Indian  name,  signifying  narrow,  because 
the  St  Lawrence,  which,  from  that  point  to  the  ocean,  is  from  ten  to 
fifteen  miles  wide,  is  there  reduced  to  a width  of  about  one  mile. 

t The  Indian  name  of  Lake  Champlain  was  Canaideri - Guarunte,  sig- 
nifying the  mouth  or  door  of  the  country.  Another  Indian  name  was 
Petawa-Bouque,  signifying  alternate  land  and  water. 

$ The  original  Indian  name  was  Horicon,  meaning  Silver  Water.  It 
Was  also  called  Canauleri-oil,  or  The  Tail  of  the  Lake. 


CHAMPLAIN  AND  HUDSON. 


23 


away,  and  approaching  from  different  points  of  the 
compass,  should  so  nearly  meet  in  the  vast  forests 
of  wild  America — each  exploring  a part  of  the  conti- 
nent never  before  traversed  by  Europeans.  Strange, 
too,  that  the  vicinity  where  these  adventurers  so  nearly 
met,  should,  for  almost  a hundred  and  fifty  years,  be 
the  boundary  between  the  nations  respectively  repre- 
sented by  them,  and  the  scene  of  their  frequent  and 
bloody  conflicts  for  supremacy. 

Although  that  beautiful  portion  of  Vermont  border- 
ing on  Lake  Champlain  was  thus  early  explored,  and 
although  settlements  were  made  in  its  immediate 
vicinity,  by  the  Dutch  at  Albany  in  1613  — by  the 
English  at  Springfield,  on  the  Connecticut,  in  1635  — 
and  by  the  French  at  Montreal  in  1640,  the  whites  did 
not  permanently  occupy  any  portion  of  the  territory 
comprised  in  the  present  boundaries  of  the  State,  until 
the  year  1724.  Situated  between  the  settlements  of 
the  French  on  the  one  hand,  and  those  of  the  English 
on  the  other,  it  was  constantly  exposed  to  the  incur- 
sions and  depredations  of  both,  in  the  almost  inces- 
sant warfare  maintained  between  them.  The  dense 
forests  of  the  Green  Mountains  became  the  favorite 
lurking  places  of  the  wield ers  of  the  tomahawk,  and 
resounded  with  the  war-whoop  of  those  savages  who 
were  willing  to  be  allies  for  either  of  the  contending 
parties.  They  were  traversed  by  the  prisoners  taken 
in  the  French  wars,  and  were  witnesses  of  their  heroism 
and  of  their  sufferings.  For  these  reasons,  actual  set- 
tlements were  perilous  and  impracticable.  It  was  a 
disputed  ground  between  the  English  and  the  French, 
<*•  which  many  a guerilla  battle  was  fought.  And 


24:  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

tHus  the  history  of  Yermont  is  so  closely  interwoven 
with  that  of  the  regions  adjacent,  that  it  will  be  neces- 
sary, in  the  progress  of  this  narrative,  in  order  to 
exhibit  a complete  view  of  the  transactions  in  whicti 
Yermont  was  interested,  or  in  which  its  early  heroes 
bore  a distinguished  part,  often  to  carry  forward  an 
account  of  events  which  transpired  beyond  the  geo- 
graphical limits  of  the  state. 

In  his  expedition  across  the  lake  which  bears  his 
name,  Champlain  was  accompanied  by  only  two 
Frenchmen  — the  balance  of  the  party,  amounting  to 
about  sixty,  were  Huron  and  Algonquin  warriors,  who 
had  determined  on  a hostile  excursion  into  the  terri- 
tory of  the  Iroquois,  or,  as  they  were  afterward  desig 
nated  by  the  English,  the  Five  Nations. 

This  federal  association  's  said  to  have  derived  its 
origin  from  the  most  remote  antiquity  ; and,  as  the 
name  imports,  it  comprehended  five  Indian  nations,  of 
which  the  Mohawks  have  obtained  the  most  lasting  re- 
nown, and  which  were  confederated,  on  terms  of  the 
strictest  equality,  in  a perpetual  alliance,  for  united 
conquest  and  mutual  defense.  The  members  of  this 
united  body  reckoned  themselves  superior  to  all  the 
rest  of  mankind,  and  the  distinctive  appellation  which 
they  adopted*  was  expressive  of  this  opinion.  But  the 
principles  of  their  confederacy  displayed  far  more  pol- 
icy and  refinement  than  we  might  expect  from  the  arro- 
gance of  their  barbarous  name.  They  had  embraced 
the  Roman  practice,  of  increasing  their  strength  by 
incorporating  the  people  of  other  nations  with  them- 
selves. After  every  conquest  of  an  enemy,  when  they 

* Ongue-Honwe, — that  is,  “ Men  surpassing  all  otbora” 


THE  FIVE  NATIONS. 


25 


had  indulged  their  revenge  by  some  cruel  executions, 
they  exercised  their  usual  policy,  in  the  adoption  of 
the  remaining  captives  ; and  frequently  with  so  much 
advantage,  that  some  of  their  most  distinguished  sa- 
chems and  captains,  were  derived  from  defeated  and 
adopted  foes.  Each  nation  had  its  own  separate  repub- 
lican constitution,  in  which  rank  and  office  were  claimed 
only  by  age,  procured  only  by  merit,  and  enjoyed  but 
by  the  tenure  of  public  esteem.  In  no  community  was 
age  accorded  more  respect,  or  youth  endowed  with 
greater  beauty.*  The  people  of  the  several  nations, 
and  especially  the  Mohawks,  were  distinguished  by  the 
usual  Indian  qualities  of  attachment  to  liberty,  forti- 
tude in  the  endurance  of  pain,  and  preference  of  craft 
and  stratagem  to  undisguised  operations  in  war,j*  and 
by  a more  than  usual  degree  of  perseverance,  resolution, 
and  active  intrepidity.  Almost  all  the  tribes  around 
this  people,  and  even  many  at  a great  distance,  who 
were  not  included  in  their  confederacy,  acknowledged 
a subjection  to  it,  paid  a tribute  which  two  aged 
sachems  were  annually  deputed  to  collect,  % and  were 
restrained  from  making  war  or  peace  without  the  con- 
sent of  the  Five  Nations.  It  was  the  policy  of  all  the 

* Such  was  the  efficacy  of  the  Indian  mode  of  life,  in  developing  the 
finer  proportions  of  which  the  hunjan  frame  is  susceptible,  that,  when  the 
statue  of  the  Apollo-Belvidere  was  beheld,  for  the  first  time,  by  Benjamin 
West,  the  distinguished  American  painter,  he  started  at  the  unexpected 
likeness,  and  exclaimed,  “How  like  it  is  to  a young  Mohawk  warrior  I ” 

f In  this  peculiarity  most  of  the  Indian  tribes  resembled  the  ancient 
Spartans  ; as  they  did  also  in  the  diligence  with  which  they  cultivated 
conciseness  of  speech. 

f “ I have  often  had  opportunity  to  observe  what  anxiety  the  poor  In- 
dians were  under,  while  these  two  old  men  remained  in  that  part  of  the 

2 


26  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN -MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

chiefs  to  affect  superior  purity,  and  to  distribute  among 
the  people  their  own  share  of  tribute  and  plunder. 
All  matters  of  common  concernment  were  transacted 
in  general  meetings  of  the  sachems  of  each  nation ; 
and  the  influence  of  time,  aided  by  a long  course  of 
judicious  policy  and  victorious  enterprise,  had  com- 
pletely succeeded  in  causing  the  federal  character  and 
sentiments  to  prevail  over  the  peculiarities  of  their  sub- 
ordinate national  associations.  When,  at  a period 
subsequent  to  the  first  visit  of  the  Europeans,  the  Tus- 
carora  tribe  was  vanquished,  they  were  permitted  to 
revive  their  broken  estate,  by  ingrafting  it  on  this 
powerful  confederacy,  by  being  associated  as  a new 
member  of  the  general  union,  instead  of  being  diffused 
and  losing  their  identity  among  the  other  tribes,  and 
the  confederacy  thereafter  obtained  the  name  of  the 
Six  Nations.  Both  the  French  and  English  writers, 
who  have  treated  of  the  character  or  affairs  of  this 
people,  have  concurred  in  describing  them  as  at  once 
the  most  judicious  and  politic  of  the  native  powers, 
and  the  most  fierce  and  formidable  of  the  native 
inhabitants  of  America. 

When  the  French  under  Champlain  settled  in  Can- 
ada, they  found  the  Five  Nations  engaged  in  a bloody 
war  with  the  powerful  tribe  of  Adirondacks,  by  whom 
they  had  been  driven  from  their  original  possessions 
*iound  Montreal,  and  between  the  Connecticut  river 
and  Lake  Champlain,  now  the  state  of  Vermont,  and 
forced  to  seek  an  asylum  in  the  region  bounding  on 

country  where  I was.  An  old  Mohawk  sachem,  in  a poor  blanket,  and 
dirty  shirt,  may  be  seen  issuing  his  order  with  as  arbitrary  an  authority 
as  a Roman  dictator.*’ — Coldtn. 


THE  FIVE  NATIONS. 


27 


Lake  Ontario  and  the  Mohawk  river.  The  Five  Na- 
tions, however,  were  regaining  their  lost  ground,  and 
had  compelled  the  Adirondacks  to  fly  for  safety  behind 
the  strait  where  Quebec  is  built.  But  the  tide  of  suc- 
cess was  suddenly  turned  by  the  arrival  of  Champlain, 
who  naturally  joined  the  Adirondacks,  because  he 
had  settled  on  their  lands.  Near  the  place  where  the 
fortress  of  Ticonderoga  was  afterward  erected,  the 
Indians,  with  whom  Champlain  was  exploring  the 
country,  encountered  a body  of  two  hundred  Iroquois, 
who  were  on  their  way  down  the  lake  on  a war  expe- 
dition. Loud  shouts  at  once  arose  from  both  parties, 
as  they  snatched  up  their  weapons  and  prepared  for 
action.  Champlain  and  the  two  Frenchmen  with  him, 
each  armed  with  an  arquebuse,*  participated  in  the 
conflict,  and  as  the  Iroquois  had  no  previous  knowl- 
edge of  fire-arms,  they  soon  fled  in  dismay,  leaving 
fifty  warriors  dead  on  the  field,  while  ten  or  twelve 
prisoners  were  captured  by  the  Adirondacks.f  All 
engaged  in  this  expedition  went  to  their  homes  highly 

* “A  sort  of  hand-gun  ; a species  of  fire-arms  anciently  used,  which 
was  cocked  with  a wheel.  It  carried  a ball  that  weighed  nearly  two 
ounces.  A larger  kind,  used  in  fortresses,  carried  a ball  of  three  ounces 
and  a half.”  — Encyclopedia. 

t If,  on  this  occasion,  the  Indians  were  for  the  first  time  witnesses  of 
the  deadly  effect  of  fire-arms,  the  French  were  equally  surprised  by  the 
fiendish  cruelties  inflicted  by  the  Indian  warriors  upon  their  prisoners. 
“After  proceeding  about  eight  leagues  down  the  lake,”  says  Dr.  Fitch 
in  his  admirable  history  of  Washington  county,  “they  landed  after 
nightfall ; and,  taking  one  of  the  prisoners,  made  a speech  to  him,  up- 
braiding him  with  the  barbarities  which  he  and  his  people  had  perpe- 
trated in  the  war,  without  showing  mercy  in  any  instance,  and  informing 
him,  that  it  would  now  devolve  on  him  to  submit  to  the  same  destiny. 
They  then  told  him  to  sing  if  he  had  any  courage  : this  he  commenced 


28  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 


pleased  with  Champlain,  and  from  this  time  onward, 
their  several  tribes  were  firmly  attached  to  the  French 
and  their  interests.* 

doing,  but  in  the  most  sad  and  dolorous  tones.  A fire  had  been  previ- 
ously kindled,  and  was  now  burning  briskly.  Each  Indian  took  from 
it  a brand,  and  commenced  burning  the  skin  of  the  poor  creature,  a lit- 
tle at  a time,  to  make  him  suffer  longer  torment  Remitting  this  at  times, 
they  would  then  throw  him  on  his  back  in  the  water.  Afterward,  pull- 
ing off  his  finger-nails,  they  put  hot  ashe3  on  the  ends  of  his  fingers. 
Next,  they  tore  the  scalp  from  the  top  of  his  head,  and  then  dropped 
melted  pitch  upon  the  naked  skull.  They  then  pierced  holes  through 
his  arms  near  the  wrists,  and  with  sticks  drew  out  therefrom  the  sinews 
and  nerves,  forcibly  pulling  upon  them,  until  they  were  rent  asunder. 
Strange  cries  at  times  were  uttered  by  this  miserable  creature  ; yet,  dur- 
ing the  whole  of  the  horrid  performance,  he  was  so  firm  and  unshaken, 
that  one  would  have  said  he  did  not  feel  any  pain.  The  Indians  urged 
Champlain  to  take  a firebrand,  and  join  them  in  their  employment. 
But  he  remonstrated  with  them,  telling  them  he  was  unused  to  such 
cruelties — that  his  people  only  shot  at  their  enemies  with  their  guns, 
and  if  they  would  only  permit  him  to  have  one  shot  at  the  captive  with 
his  arquebuse,  it  was  all  he  would  ask.  They  would  not  consent  to 
this ; and,  unable  longer  to  endure  the  sight,  he  turned  away  with  dis- 
gust. Perceiving  his  disquietude,  they  called  him  back,  telling  him  to 
do  as  he  had  desired.  He  hereupon  discharged  his  arquebuse  at  the 
sufferer  with  such  effect,  that,  as  Charlevoix  intimates  in  describing  this 
scene,  he  had  no  occasion  for  desiring  a second  shot  Even  now  that 
their  victim  was  dead,  they  were  not  satisfied,  but,  ripping  him  open, 
they  threw  his  entrails  into  the  lake,  and  then  cut  off  his  head,  arms 
and  legs,  preserving  only  his  scalp,  which  they  added  to  the  number 
they  had  taken  from  those  who  had  been  killed  in  the  battle.  More 
atrocious  still,  they  took  his  heart,  and  cutting  it  into  a number  of  slices, 
gave  a piece  to  one  of  his  own  brothers,  and  to  each  of  the  other  pris- 
oners, ordering  them  to  eat  it.  These  put  it  into  their  mouths,  but  were 
unable  to  swallow  it ; whereupon,  some  of  the  Algonquin  Indians  who 
guarded  the  prisoners,  allowed  them  to  spit  out  the  whole  and  throw  it 
into  the  water.” 

* Champlain  died  at  Quebec,  in  December.  1634  — one  hundred  years 
alter  Cartier  had  discovered  the  St.  Lawrence.  He  was  governor  of 


FRENCH  WARFARE  WITH  THE  INDIANS. 


29 


From  this  period,  an  implacable  war  was  carried  on 
by  the  Iroquois  against  the  Canadian  settlements  on 
the  St.  Lawrence.  For  a time,  the  conduct,  the  bravery, 
and  especially  the  fire-arms  of  the  French,  proved  an 
overmatch  for  the  skill  and  intrepidity  of  the  Five  Na- 
tions, who  were  defeated  in  several  battles,  and  reduced 
to  great  distress.  It  was  at  this  critical  juncture,  that 
the  first  Dutch  ship  arrived  in  the  Hudson  river,  with 
the  colonists  who  established  themselves  at  Albany. 
The  Iroquois,  easily  procuring  from  these  neighbors  a 
supply  of  that  species  of  arms  to  which  alone  their 
enemies  had  been  indebted  for  their  superiority,  re- 
vived the  war  with  so  much  impetuosity  and  success, 
that  the  nation  of  the  Adirondacks  was  completely  an- 
nihilated ; and  the  French  too  late  discovered,  that  they 
had  espoused  the  fortunes  of  the  weaker  people.* 

Canada  from  1610  until  the  time  of  his  death,  with  the  exception  of 
three  years,  during  which  period  the  English  had  possession  of  the 
country.  By  his  arduous  efforts,  Quebec,  as  early  as  1626,  began  to 
assume  the  appearance  of  a city.  That  year  a stone  fortress  was  built, 
and  the  colony  was  rapidly  growing  into  power.  Champlain  died  after 
having  been  more  than  thirty  years  a resident  of  Canada.  He  is  repre- 
sented by  the  writers  of  that  time,  as  a man  of  much  penetration,  activ- 
ity and  intrepidity.  He  could  not  have  succeeded  in  establishing  a new 
city  and  colony  in  the  midst  of  a populous,  warlike,  and  savage  nation, 
if  he  had  lacked  great  ability,  enterprise  and  courage.  He  was  a man 
of  eminent  piety,  and  zealous  in  the  propagation  of  the  Catholic  faith. 
He  often  said,  “ the  salvation  of  one  soul  was  of  more  value  than  the 
conquest  of  an  empire.” 

* One  of  the  stratagems  of  the  Five  Nations  is  worthy  of  mention. 
At  one  time  they  sent  the  French  a proposal  for  a peace,  to  which  the 
latter  readily  inclined,  and  requested  the  Indians  to  receive  a deputation 
of  Jesuits,  whose  exertions,  it  was  expected,  would  conciliate  their  sin- 
cere friendship.  The  Five  Nations  willingly  agreed,  and  desired  to  see 
the  priests  immediately  ; but  the  instant  they  got  hold  of  them  they 


30  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

Hence  originated  the  mutual  dread  and  enmity  that  so 
long  subsisted  between  the  French  and  confederated 
Indians,  and  entailed  so  many  calamities  upon  both. 

* The  French  colony,  being  in  extreme  distress,  solic- 
ited aid  from  the  mother  country.  Two  regiments 
were  sent  out  by  the  king,  and  thus  strengthened, 
Courcelles,  governor  of  Canada,  dispatched  a party  by 
the  way  of  Lake  Champlain,  in  the  winter  of  1665,  to 
attack  the  Five  Nations.  The  French,  less  accustomed 
to  the  climate,  and  less  acquainted  with  .the  country 
than  their  savage  enemies,  attempted  vainly  to  imitate 
their  rapid  and  secret  movements.  They  lost  their  way 
among  the  wastes  of  snow,  and  often  enduring  the 
greatest  misery,  arrived,  without  knowing  where  they 
were,  at  the  village  of  Schenectady,  which  a Dutch- 
man of  consideration,  named  Corlear,  had  recently 
founded.  The  French,  exhausted  and  stupefied  with 
cold  and  hunger,  resembled  rather  an  army  of  beggars, 
than  of  hostile  invaders,  and  would  have  fallen  an  easy 
prey  to  a body  of  Indians  who  were  in  the  village,  if 
Corlear,  touched  with  compassion  at  their  miserable 
appearance,  had  not  employed  both  influence  and  arti- 
fice with  the  Indians,  to  persuade  them  to  spare  their 
unfortunate  enemies,  and  depart  to  defend  their  own 
people,  against  a more  formidable  attack  in  a different 
quarter,  which  he  led  them  to  expect.  When  the  In- 
dians were  gone,  Corlear  and  his  townsmen  gave  re- 
freshments to  the  famishing  Frenchmen,  and  supplied 
them  with  provisions  and  other  necessaries  to  carry 

marched  to  attack  the  Indian  allies  of  the  French,  and  taking  the  priests 
with  them  as  hostages,  to  enforce  the  neutrality  of  their  countrymen,  gave 
the  Adirondacks  a signal  defeat. 


FKENCH  EXPEDITION  AGAINST  THE  MOHAWKS. 


31 


them  home  : having  taught  them,  by  a sensible  lesson, 
that  it  is  the  mutual  duty  of  men  to  mitigate  by  kind- 
ness and  charity,  instead  of  aggravating  by  ambition 
and  ferocity,  the  ills  that  arise  from  the  rigors  of 
climate  and  the  frailty  of  human  nature.  The  French 
governor  expressed  much  gratitude  for  Corlear’s*  kind- 
ness, and  the  Indians  never  resented  his  benevolent 
stratagem.  The  names  of  two  of  the  officers  of  Cour- 
celles  in  this  expedition  are  perpetuated,  the  one  by  the 
Sorel  river,  the  other  by  the  town  of  Chambly. 

To  retrieve  the  misfortunes  of  their  winter  expedi- 
tion, the  French,  in  the  spring  of  1666,  with  all  the 
militia  of  Canada,  amounting  to  twenty  companies  of 
foot,  marched  into  the  Mohawk  country.  The  expedi- 
tion was  attended  with  great  expense  and  fatigue, 
being  continued  for  more  than  6even  hundred  miles 
through  an  uncultivated  and  hostile  country ; and 
failed  in  materially  harassing  the  Indians.  At  the  ap- 
proach of  the  French,  the  savages  easily  found  places 
of  safety  by  retiring  into  the  woods  and  swamps, 
where  the  French  armies  could  not  follow  them.  The 
result,  however,  was  favorable  to  the  cause  of  peace. 


* This  man  enjoyed  great  influence  with  the  Indians,  who,  after  his 
death,  always  addressed  the  governors  of  New  York  with  the  title  of 
Corlear,  an  expression,  in  their  view,  significant  of  kindness,  friendship, 
and  confidence.  Grateful  for  his  unexpected,  if  not  undeserved  hospi- 
tality, Cyurcelles  invited  Corlear  to  visit  him  in  Canada.  The  invitation 
was  accepted,  but  on  his  journey  thither,  this  noble  man  "was  unfortu- 
nately drowned  in  Lake  Champlain.  The  lake  in  which  he  perished,  the 
Indians  afterward  called  Corlear’s  Lake,  by  which  name  it  was  commonly 
known  among  the  English  and  Dutch,  for  many  years.  The  erroneous 
idea,  that  Champlain  perished  in  the  lake  which  bears  his  name,  was 
obviously  derived  from  this  incident. 


32  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

The  French,  exhausted  with  the  expense  and  fatigue 
of  the  campaign,  and  mortified  by  their  want  of  suc- 
cess, did  not  wish  to  repeat  the  experiment  of  another 
expedition  into  the  Indian  territory.  The  Indians 
were  not  pleased  to  see  the  war  brought  into  the  heart 
of  their  own  territory,  and  were  not  yet  able  to  oppose 
a large  body  of  men  armed  and  disciplined  in  the 
European  manner,  with  much  prospect  of  success. 
And  at  length,  after  a long  period  of  severe  but  inde- 
cisive hostilities,  both  parties,  wearied  of  war,  but  not 
exhausted  of  animosity,  agreed  to  a general  peace, 
which  was  concluded  in  the  year  1667.  Thus,  for  the 
first  time,  the  blessings  of  complete  peace  were  real- 
ized by  the  French  colonies. 

During  the  partial  cessation  of  hostilities  between 
the  French  and  Indians,  for  almost  twenty  years,  the 
former,  by  insidious  artifices,  did  much  to  influence 
the  Indians  against  the  English  settlers  in  New  Eng- 
land, and  doubtless  afforded  them  aid  in  their  bar- 
barous warfare  upon  the  English  settlements.  The 
French,  whose  suppleness  of  character  and  demeanor* 
was  always  more  acceptable  to  the  Indians  iq.  their 
native  condition,  than  the  grave,  unbending  spirit  of 
the  English,  found  it  easier  to  cultivate  and  employ, 
*han  to  check  or  eradicate  the  treachery  and  cruelty 

* A curious  instance  of  the  complaisance  of  the  French,  is  related  by 
Oldmixon  in  his  account  of  the  savages  who  were  greatly  charuned  with 
the  good  breeding  of  the  French,  in  always  appearing  perfectly  naked 
in  their  mutual  conferences.  Charlevoix,  a French  author,  boasted  that 
the  French  were  the  only  Europeans  who  had  ever  succeeded  in  render- 
ing themselves  agreeable  to  the  Indians.  Whatever  reason  he  may  have 
had  for  this  boast,  he  had  no  reason  to  glory  in  the  means  by  which 
they  courted  popularity 


FIRST  ENGLISH  PRISONERS  IN  CANADA. 


33 


of  their  Indian  neighbors.  The  encouragement  of  the 
Trench  allies  prevailed  with  the  Indians  to  reject  all 
friendly  overtures  from  the  English,  which,  at  first, 
they  seemed  willing  to  accept,  and  their  native  ferocity 
prompted  them  to  signalize  their  enmity  by  a series  of 
unprovoked  and  unexpected  massacres.  So  openly  did 
the  French  afford  aid  to  the  Indians  toward  the  close 
of  King  Philip’s  war,  that  Frenchmen  were  known  to 
accompany  their  war-parties,  and  several  prisoners, 
taken  in  battle,  were  carried  to  Canada  and  sold  to  the 
French.  Hatfield,  a settlement  on  the  Connecticut 
river,  furnished  the  first  of  that  long  procession  of 
prisoners  who,  during  the  succeeding  seventy  years, 
were  transported  from  New  England  across  the  Green 
Mountains  and  over  Lake  Champlain  to  Canada. 
Toward  the  close  of  1677,  fifty  Indians  from  Canada 
surprised  the  settlement,  and  captured  about  twenty 
prisoners,  among  whom  were  several  women  and  chil- 
dren. On  their  march  to  Canada,  the  prisoners  en- 
dured great  hardships,  and  were  often  threatened  with 
death.  One  man  was  actually  burned  at  the  stake, 
with  the  usual  Indian  barbarity.  The  remainder  were 
sold  to  the  French.  Two  of  the  women  were  wives  of 
men  named  Wait  and  Jennings.  On  hearing  that 
they  had  been  conveyed  to  Canada,  the  husbands 
made  application  to  the  governor  of  Massachusetts  for 
commissions,  authorizing  them  to  proceed  to  Canada, 
and  ransom  them.  Starting  in  the  winter,  they  pursued 
their  perilous  journey  across  Lake  Champlain,  and 
finally  arrived  at  Chambly.  There  they  found  the 
captives,  some  of  whom  had  been  pawned  by  the  sav- 
ages for  liquor.  Paying  two  hundred  pounds  for  the 


34:  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOD  NT  AIN  HEROES. 

ransom  of  the  prisoners,  these  noble  men  started  in  the 
spring  of  1678  on  their  return  home.  Their  progress 
was  slow,  for  they  were  compelled  to  procure  their 
provisions  by  hunting.  Early  in  the  summer  they 
reached  home,  without  accident.  This  was  the  first 
tour  performed  by  New-England  men  across  the  coun- 
try so  often  traversed  for  similar  purposes  in  the  sub- 
sequent wars,  and  which  became  the  grand  theater  of 
military  operations  between  the  French  and  English 
m later  times.  After  this  event,  tranquillity  prevailed 
along  the  New-England  frontiers  for  about  ten  years. 

The  peace  which,  for  nearly  twenty  years,  had  been 
maintained  between  the  French  and  the  Five  Nations, 
was  broken  in  1687,  and  hostilities  were  carried  on 
between  them  with  a mutual  fury  and  ferocity,  that 
seemed  totally  to  obliterate  the  distinctions  between 
civilized  and  savage  men.  Although  unaided,  the 
Five  Nations  maintained  the  struggle  with  an  energy 
that  promised  the  preservation  of  their  independence, 
and  finally,  with  a success  that  threatened  even  the 
subjugation  of  their  civilized  adversaries.  Undertaking 
an  expedition  with  twelve  hundred  of  their  warriors 
against  Montreal,  they  conducted  their  march  with 
such  rapidity  and  secrecy,  as  to  surprise  the  French  in 
almost  unguarded  security.  The  suddenness  and  fury 
of  their  attack  proved  irresistible.  They  burned  the 
town,  sacked  the  plantations,  put  a thousand  of  the 
French  to  the  sword,  and  carried  away  a number  of 
prisoners  whom  they  burned  alive  ; returning  to  their 
friends  with  only  a loss  of  three  of  their  own  number. 
They  strained  every  nerve  to  follow  up  their  advantage, 
and  shortly  after  their  attack  on  Montreal,  possessed 


FRENCH  EXPEDITION  AGAINST  SCHENECTADY.  35 


themselves  of  several  fortresses  which  the  garrisons 
abandoned  in  the  panic.  They  reduced  every  station 
that  the  French  possessed  in  Canada,  to  a state  of  the 
utmost  terror  and  distress.  Nothing  could  have  saved 
the  French  from  utter  destruction,  but  the  ignorance 
which  disabled  the  Indians  from  attacking  fortified 
plaoes ; and  it  was  evident  that  a single  vigorous  act 
of  interposition  by  the  English  colonists  — compelled 
by  treaty  to  remain  inactive  spectators  of  the  contest — 
would  have  sufficed  to  terminate  forever  the  rivalry 
of  France  and  England  in  this  quarter  of  the  world. 

The  condition  of  the  French  in  Canada,  was  suddenly 
raised  from  the  brink  of  ruin,  by  the  arrival  of  a strong 
reinforcement  from  the  parent  state,  under  the  coin, 
mand  of  a skillful  and  enterprising  officer,  the  old  Count 
de  Frontignac,  who  now  assumed  the  government  of 
the  French  settlements,  and  quickly  gave  a different 
complexion  to  their  affairs.  He  set  on  foot  a treaty 
with  the  Five  Nations,  and  succeeded,  meanwhile,  in 
obtaining  a suspension  of  their  hostilities.  About  this 
time  war  was  declared  between  France  and  England  ; 
and  he  boldly  determined  to  revive  the  drooping  spirits 
of  the  colony,  by  making  an  attack  upon  New  York. 

A considerable  body  of  French  and  Indians  was 
accordingly  collected  and  dispatched  in  the  depth  of 
winter  against  New  York.  By  a strange  coincidence, 
which  must  ever  stain  the  name  of  the  French  colonists 
with  the  blackest  ingratitude  and  dishonor,  this  party, 
like  their  predecessors  in  1665,  after  wandering  for 
twenty-two  days  through  deserts  rendered  trackless  by 
snow,  approached  the  village  of  Schenectady  in  so 
exhausted  a condition  that  they  had  determined  to 


36  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOD  NT  AIN  HEROES. 

°urrenu&*-  ^emselves  to  the  inhabitants  as  prisoners  of 
war.  But,  arriving  at  a late  hour  on  an  inclement 
night,  (February  8,  1690,)  and  hearing  from  the  mes- 
sengers that  they  had  sent  forward,  that  the  inhabitants 
were  all  in  bed,  without  even  the  precaution  of  a public 
watch,  they  exchanged  their  intention  of  imploring 
mercy  to  themselves,  for  a plan  of  nocturnal  attack 
and  massacre  of  the  defenseless  people,  to  whose  charity 
their  own  countrymen  had  once  been  so  deeply  in- 
debted. This  detestable  requital  of  good  with  evil, 
was  executed  with  a barbarity  which  of  itself  must  be 
acknowledged  to  form  one  of  the  most  revolting  and 
terrific  pictures  that  has  ever  been  exhibited  of  hu- 
man cruelty  and  ferocity.  Dividing  themselves  into 
a number  of  parties,  they  set  fire  to  the  village  in 
various  places,  and  attacked  the  inhabitants  with  fatal 
advantage,  when,  alarmed  by  the  conflagration,  they 
endeavored  to  escape  from  the  burning  houses.  The 
exhausted  strength  of  the  Frenchmen  seemed  to  revive 
with  the  work  of  destruction,  and  to  gather  energy 
from  the  animated  horror  of  the  scene.  Not  only  were 
all  the  male  inhabitants  they  could  reach  put  to  death, 
but  women  and  children  were  barbarously  murdered. 
But  either  the  delay  occasioned  by  their  elaborate 
cruelty,  or  the  more  merciful  haste  of  the  flames  to 
announce  the  calamity  to  those  who  might  still  fly 
from  the  assassins,  enabled  many  of  the  inhabitants  to 
escape.  The  efforts  of  the  assailants  were  also  some- 
what impeded  by  a sagacious  discrimination  which 
they  thought  it  expedient  to  exercise.  Though  un- 
mindful of  benefits,  they  were  not  regardless  of  policy, 
and  of  a number  of  Mohawk  Indians  who  were  in  the 


WARFARE  IN  NEW  ENGLAND. 


37 


village,  not  one  sustained  an  injury.  Sixty  persons 
perished  in  the  massacre,  and  twenty-seven  were  taken 
prisoners.  Of  the  fugitives  who  escaped  half  naked, 
and  made  their  way  through  a storm  to  Albany, 
twenty-five  lost  their  limbs  from  the  intensity  of  the 
frost.  The  French  having  totally  destroyed  the  vil- 
lage, retired  across  Lake  Champlain  loaded  with  plun- 
der. They  were  pursued  by  a party  of  young  men, 
who  killed  or  captured  twenty-five. 

In  concert  with  the  expedition  against  Hew  York 
under  D’Aillebout,  Frontignac  sent  a party  of  French 
and  Indians,  under  the  command  of  Sieur  Hertel,  to 
lay  waste  the  frontier  settlements  of  Massachusetts 
and  Hew  Hampshire.*  This  expedition  was  also 

* A.t  Salmon  Falls,  in  New  Hampshire,  thirty  persons  were  killed, 
and  fifty-four,  chiefly  women  and  children,  were  carried  into  captivity- 
Among  the  prisoners  was  a Mr.  Rodgers,  who,  being  quite  corpulent, 
was  unable  to  carry  the  burden  imposed  upon  him,  and  attempted  to  es- 
cape in  the  woods.  The  Indians  caught  him,  stripped,  beat  and  pricked 
him  with  their  knives  ; then  tied  him  to  a tree  and  danced  around  him 
until  they  had  kindled  a fire.  They  gave  him  time  to  pray  and  take 
leave  of  his  fellow-prisoners,  who  were  compelled  to  witness  his  death. 
They  pushed  the  fire  toward  him,  and  when  he  was  almost  stifled,  took 
it  away  to  give  him  time  to  breathe,  and  thus  prolong  his  misery  ; they 
'drowned  his  dying  groans  with  their  hideous  singing  and  yelling ; all 
the  while  dancing  around  the  fire,  and  cutting  off  pieces  of  his  flesh  and 
throwiug  them  in  his  face.  When  he  was  dead  they  left  his  body  broil- 
ing on  the  coals,  in  which  state  it  was  found  by  his  friends,  and  buried. 

An  anecdote  of  a different  character  is  told  of  this  expedition.  Whilo 
an  Indian  was  preparing  strings  to  bind  a prisoner  named  Toogood,  the 
latter  seized  his  gun  and  went  backward,  keeping  the  gun  pointed  at  the 
Indian,  and  threatened  to  shoot  him  if  he  alarmed  the  others,  who  had 
passed  over  the  brow  of  a hill.  By  compelling  the  Indian  to  follow  him 
some  distance,  he  was  enabled  to  make  his  escape,  his  adversary  calling 
him  Nogood,  Nogood.  When  the  Indian  returned  to  hie  companion® 
without  gun  or  prisoner,  they  ridiculed  him  heartily 


38  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 


successful,  and  marked  with  cruelties  scarcely  lesi 
monstrous  than  those  committed  at  Schenectady.  The 
success  that  attended  these  expeditions  served  to  revive 
the  spirits  of  the  French  colony,  and  at  the  same  time 
occasioned  great  alarm  in  every  part  of  the  English 
plantations.  Aided  by  Frontignac,  the  Indians  made 
frequent  incursions  into  the  English  settlements,  and 
wherever  they  went  committed  the  most  horrid  acts 
of  savage  cruelty."*  The  French,  by  giving  premiums 
for  scalps,  and  by  purchasing  the  English  prisoners, 
animated  the  Indians  to  exert  all  their  activity  and 

* In  1689,  the  Indians,  having  resolved  upon  attacking  Dover  in  New 
Hampshire,  employed  their  usual  art  to  lull  the  suspicions  of  the  inhab- 
itants. So  civil  and  respectful  was  their  behavior,  that  they  occasionally 
obtained  permission  to  sleep  in  the  fortified  houses  in  the  town.  On 
the  evening  of  the  fatal  night,  they  assembled  in  the  neighborhood,  and 
sent  their  women  to  apply  for  lodgings  at  the  houses  devoted  to  destruc- 
tion. When  all  was  quiet,  the  doors  were  opened  and  the  signal  given. 
Against  Major  Waldron,  one  of  the  principal  inhabitants,  their  animosity 
was  particularly  excited  by  his  former  harsh  dealings  with  the  Indians. 
They  rushed  into  his  house,  and  hastened  to  his  apartment.  Awakened 
by  the  noise,  he  seized  his  sword  and  drove  them  back ; but  when  re- 
turning for  his  other  arms,  was  stunned  with  a hatchet  and  fell.  They 
then  dragged  him  into  his  hall,  seated  him  in  an  elbow-chair  upon  a 
long  table,  and  insultingly  asked,  “Who  shall  judge  Indians  now  ? ” 
After  feasting  upon  provisions  which  they  compelled  the  rest  of  the 
family  to  procure,  each  one,  with  a knife,  cut  gashes  in  Waldron’s  breast, 
sayiLg,  “ I cross  out  my  account ! ” They  then  cut  off  his  nose  and 
ears,  and  forced  them  into  his  mouth  ; and  when,  weakened  from  the 
loss  of  blood,  he  was  about  to  fall  from  the  table,  his  own  sword  was 
held  under  him,  which  put  an  end  to  his  tortures.  At  other  houses,  sim- 
ilar acts  of  cruelty  were  perpetrated,  and  in  the  whole,  twenty-three 
persons  were  killed,  and  twenty-nine  carried  prisoners  to  Canada,  who 
wrere  shortly  sold  to  the  French.  Many  houses  were  burned  and  much 
property  was  plundered ; but  so  expeditious  were  the  Indians,  that 
they  had  fled  beyond  reach  before  the  neighboring  people  could  be 
collected. 


EXPEDITION  AGAINST  QUEBEC. 


39 


address,  and  the  frontier  inhabitants  endured  the  most 
aggravated  sufferings. 

To  avenge  these  barbarities,  a combined  invasion 
of  Canada  was  projected.  An  expedition  commanded 
by  Sir  William  Phipps,*  sailed  from  Boston  against 
Quebec  ; and  the  united  forces  of  Connecticut  and 
New  York,  under  the  command  of  General  Winthrop, 
were  to  march  against  Montreal,  by  the  way  of  Lake 
Champlain.  The  first,  commanded  by  Phipps,  con- 
sisted of  forty  vessels,  and  the  number  of  troops  on 
board  amounted  to  over  two  thousand.  These  were 
furnished  by  Massachusetts  and  New  Hampshire. 
Phipps  arrived  before  Quebec  so  late  in  the  season, 
that  there  was  but  little  opportunity  for  accomplishing 
his  purpose.  The  English  were  arrested  in  various 

* Sir  William  Phipps  was  a native  of  Massachusetts,  and  notwith- 
standing a mean  education,  and  the  depression  of  the  humblest  circum- 
stances, had  raised  himself  by  the  mere  vigor  of  his  mind  to  a conspicuous 
rank,  and  gained  a high  reputation  for  spirit,  skill  and  success.  He  kept 
sheep  in  his  native  province  until  he  was  eighteen  years  of  age,  and  was 
afterward  apprenticed  to  a ship-carpenter.  When  he  was  freed  from  his 
indentures,  he  pursued  a seafaring  life,  and  attained  the  station  of  captain 
of  a merchant  vessel.  Having  met  with  an  accouut  of  the  wreck  of  a 
Spanish  ship,  loaded  with  great  treasures,  near  the  Bahama  Islands,  about 
fifty  years  before,  he  conceived  a plan  of  extricating  the  buried  treasures 
from  the  bowels  of  the  deep  ; and,  transporting  himself  to  England,  he 
stated  his  scheme  so  plausibly,  that  the  king  was  struck  with  it,  and  in 
1683  sent  him  out  with  a vessel  to  make  the  attempt.  It  proved  unsuc- 
cessful ; and  all  his  urgency  could  not  induce  the  king  to  engage  in  a 
repetition  of  it.  But  the  Duke  of  Albemarle,  resuming  the  design, 
equipped  a vessel  for  the  purpose,  and  gave  the  command  of  it  to  Phipps, 
who  now  realizing  the  expectations  he  had  formed,  succeeded  in  raising 
specie  to  the  value  of  $1,500,000,  from  the  bottom  of  the  ocean.  Of 
this  treasure  he  obtained  a portion  sufficient  to  make  his  fortune,  with  a 
still  larger  meed  of  general  consideration  and  applause. 


4:0  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

severe  encounters,  and  compelled  at  length  to  make 
a precipitate  retreat ; and  the  fleet,  after  having  sus- 
tained considerable  loss  in  the  voyage  homeward, 
returned  to  Boston. 

General  Winthrop,  with  a thousand  men,  marched 
from  Albany  into  the  northern  wilderness,  with  the 
design  of  passing  through  Lake  Champlain  and  cap- 
turing Montreal.  But  this  army,  the  forerunner  of  the 
many  marshaled  hosts  that  for  almost  a century  after- 
ward, made  Lake  Champlain  and  the  country  border- 
ing on  it  their  highway,  was  retarded  by  defective 
arrangements,  and  disappointed  by  the  friendly  In- 
dians who  had  engaged  to  furnish  them  with  canoes 
for  crossing  rivers.  After  marching  some  distance 
toward  Montreal,  the  commander  deemed  it  expedient 
to  retreat  without  doing  any  injury  to  the  enemy. 

Vexed  at  having  the  expedition  thus  abandoned, 
and  knowing  that  the  friendly  Indians  wTere  losing 
confidence  in  the  energy  and  power  of  their  English 
allies,  Captain  John  Schuyler,  (grandfather  of  General 
Philip  Schuyler  of  our  revolutionary  history,)  enlisted 
a force  of  thirty  whites  and  one  hundred  and  twenty 
Indians,  the  same  fall,  and  made  an  excursion  to  the 
St.  Lawrence,  destroyed  the  village  of  La  Prairie,  took 
nineteen  prisoners,  devastated  the  country  in  the 
vicinity  of  Montreal,  and  returned  in  triumph  to 
Albany.* 

The  following  year,  (1691,)  Major  Peter  Schuyler, 
(brother  to  John  Schuyler,)  having  acquired  extraor- 
dinary influence  with  the  Five  Nations  by  his  courage, 


* Fitch’s  History  of  Washington  County. 


FRENCH  EMULATION  OF  INDIAN  CRUELTY. 


41 


good  sense,  and  friendly  attention  to  their  interests, 
undertook  an  expedition  against  Montreal,  at  the  head 
of  a considerable  body  of  colonial  and  Indian  forces. 
Though  the  invaders  were  finally  compelled  to  retreat, 
the  French  sustained  great  loss  in  several  encounters  * 
and  such  was  the  spirit  and  animosity  of  the  Fiv 
Nations,  that  they  continued,  during  the  winter,  to 
wage  incessant  and  harassing  hostilities  against  the 
French,  although  the  colonial  troops  had  returned  to 
their  homes.  Count  Frontignac  was  so  exasperated 
by  their  continued  assaults,  that  he  condemned  to  a 
death  accompanied  by  all  the  torments  French  inge- 
nuity could  devise,  two  Mohawk  captives}  whom  the 
fate  of  war  had  thrown  into  his  power.*  The  peace  of 
Ryswick,  in  1697,  put  an  end  to  hostilities  for  a brief 
period,  between  the  rival  colonies  of  the  French  and 
English. 

In  a few  years  war  again  broke  out  in  Europe,  and  - 
hostilities  speedily  recommenced  in  America.  The 

* Shortly  before  the  execution,  some  Frenchman,  less  inhuman  than 
his  governor,  threw  a knife  into  the  prison,  and  one  of  the  Mohawks 
immediately  dispatched  himself  with  it ; the  other,  expressing  contempt 
at  his  companion’s  mean  evasion  of  glory,  walked  to  the  stake,  singing 
in  his" death-chant,  that  he  was  a Mohawk  warrior ; that  all  the  power  of 
man  could  not  extort  an  expression  of  suffering  from  his  lips ; and  that  it 
was  ample  consolation  to  him  to  reflect  that  he  had  made  many  French- 
men suffer  the  same  pangs  that  he  must  now  himself  undergo.  When 
attached  to  the  stake,  he  looked  round  on  his  executioners,  their  instru- 
ments of  torture,  and  the  assembled  multitude  of  spectators,  with  all  the 
complacency  of  heroic  fortitude,  and,  after  enduring  for  some  hours,  with 
composed  mien  and  triumphant  language,  a series  of  barbarities  too  atro- 
cious to  be  narrated,  his  sufferings  were  terminated  by  the  interposition 
of  a French  lady,  who  prevailed  with  the  governor  to  order  that  mortal 
blow,  to  which  human  cruelty  has  given  the  name  of  coup  de  grace,  or 
stroke  of  favor 


42  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

first  blow  fell  upon  Deerfield,  which  was  at  that  time 
the  most  northerly  settlement  on  the  Connecticut  river, 
a few  families  at  Northfield  excepted.  Against  this 
place  a party  of  two  hundred  French,  and  one  hundred 
and  fifty  Indians  was  sent.  They  were  under  the 
command  of  Ilertel  de  Rouville,  assisted  by  four  of  his 
brothers,  all  of  whom  had  become  distinguished  in  the 
wars.  They  passed  up  Lake  Champlain  until  they 
reached  the  Winooski  (at  that  time  called  French) 
river.  There  they  crossed  over  to  Connecticut  river, 
and  traveled  on  the  ice  until  they  arrived  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  Deerfield.  Early  on  the  morning  of  March  12, 
1704,  Rouville  attacked  the  village.  The  snow  around 
the  fort  was  in  many  places  drifted  nearly  to  the  top 
of  the  palisades,  and  the  enemy  found  no  difficulty 
in  surmounting  these  defenses.  The  occupants  were 
buried  in  profound  sleep.  A simultaneous  assault  was 
made  upon  all  the  houses,  the  doors  were  broken  open, 
and  the  people  seized  in  their  beds.  When  resistance 
was  attempted,  the  tomahawk  or  musket  ended  the 
strife.  A few  were  so  fortunate  as  to  escape  by  flight 
to  the  adjacent  woods ; but  the  greater  part  were  either 
killed  or  made  prisoners. 

Early  in  the  assault,  about  thirty  Indians  attacked 
the  house  of  the  Rev.  John  Williams,  who,  awaking 
from  a sound  sleep,  instantly  leaped  from  his  bed,  ran 
toward  the  door,  and  found  a party  entering.  Calling 
to  awaken  a couple  of  soldiers  in  his  chamber,  he 
seized  a pistol,  presented  it  at  the  breast  of  the  fore- 
most Indian,  and  attempted  to  shoot  him ; but  the 
pistol  missed  fire.  He  was*  instantly  overpowered, 
bound,  and  kept  for  an  hour  without  his  clothes.  Two 


MASSACRE  AT  DEERFIELD. 


43 


of  his  young  children  were  dragged  to  the  door  and 
murdered,  and  his  negro-woman  shared  the  same  fate. 
Mrs.  Williams  and  five  children,  the  youngest  of  whom 
was  but  a few  weeks  old,  were  also  captured. 

Another  dwelling-house  was  successfully  defended 
by  seven  armed  men  and  a few  women,  by  whom  it 
was  occupied.  While  the  brave  defenders  were  pour- 
ing their  tire  upon  the  assailants  from  the  windows  and 
loop-holes,  the  no  less  brave  women  were  busily  em- 
ployed in  casting  balls  for  future  supply.  Unable  to 
carry  the  house,  or  intimidate  the  defenders  to  a sur- 
render by  all  their  threats  and  stratagems,  the  enemy 
gave  up  their  efforts,  and  cautiously  ’endeavored  to 
keep  out  of  the  range  of  the  shot.  But  notwithstanding 
their  precautions,  several  were  singled  out  and  shot 
down  by  the  marksmen  in  the  house. 

Having  collected  the  prisoners,  plundered  and  set 
fire  to  the  buildings,  Rouville  began  to  retrace  his 
march  to  Canada.  But  a party  of  the  inhabitants  who 
had  escaped,  returned  to  the  village,  and,  joined  by  the 
men  who  had  defended  their  house,  and  a few  people 
who  had  hurried  .on  from  Hatfield,  pursued  the  enemy, 
and  a sharp  skirmish  ensued ; but,  being  at  length 
nearly  encircled  by  a superior  force,  they  were  com- 
pelled to  retire,  with  the  loss  of  nine  of  their  number. 
The  pursuit,  though  highly  honorable  to  the  bravery 
of  the  pursuers,  exposed  the  captives  to  imminent 
danger.  During  the  fight,  the  English  maintained 
their  ground  with  great  resolution,  and  at  one  crisis, 
Rouville,  apprehending  a defeat,  sent  orders  for  the 
captives  to  be  tomahawked  ; but  fortunately  the  mes 
senger  was  killed  before  he  delivered  his  orders. 


44  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

Preparations  were  however  made  by  the  Indians  who 
guarded  the  prisoners,  to  put  them  to  death  in  case 
of  the  defeat  of  their  party.  On  the  retreat  of  the 
English,  Rouville  countermanded  his  order,  and  saved 
the  captives. 

The  whole  number  of  prisoners  amounted  to  one 
hundred  and  twelve.  Forty-seven  were  slain,  and  the 
loss  of  the  enemy  was  about  the  same.  The  entire 
village  was  reduced  to  ashes  with  the  exception  of  one 
house,  which  is  stili  standing,  and  the  traces  of  the 
tomahawks  and  bullets  are  still  to  be  seen. 

Soon  after  the  action,  Fouville  commenced  his 
march  for  Canada.  Most  gloomy  were  the  prospects 
of  the  captives.  Many  were  women  then  in  a condition 
requiring  the  most  tender  treatment ; some  were  young 
children  whose  feeble  frames  could  not  sustain  the 
fatigues  of  a day ; others  were  infants,  carried  in  the 
arms  of  their  parents.  Several  of  the  men  were  suffer- 
ing from  severe  wounds.  The  distance  to  Canada  was 
nearly  three  hundred  miles,  through  a country  wild 
and  waste.  It  was  in  the  midst  of  winter,  and  the 
ground  was  deeply  covered  with  snow.  The  whole 
party  was  unsupplied  with  provisions,  and  dependent 
solely  for  food  upon  the  game  that  should  be  killed 
on  their  route.  The  first  day’s  march  was  necessarily 
slow  and  difficult.  The  Indians,  probably  from  a de- 
sire to  save  the  young  to  dispose  of  in  Canada,  or  to 
retain  for  their  own  service,  rather  than  from  tender- 
ness, assisted  the  parents  by  carrying  the  children 
upon  their  backs.  At  night,  they  encamped  by  clear- 
ing away  the  snow,  spreading  boughs,  and  construct- 
ing slight  cabins  of  brush.  The  prisoners  were  as 


SUFFERINGS  OF  THE  CAPTIVES. 


45 


comfortably  lodged  as  circumstances  would  admit.  To 
prevent  escapes,  the  most  athletic  were  bound,  and  se- 
cured according  to  the  Indian  mode,  and  this  was  prac- 
ticed at  the  subsequent  night  camps.  Notwithstanding 
this  precaution,  Joseph  Alexander,  one  of  the  prisoners, 
had  the  good  fortune  to  escape.  To  deter  others  from 
similar  attempts,  Mr.  Williams,  who  was  considered  as 
the  head  of  the  captives,  was  informed,  that  in  case  of 
another  escape,  the  remainder  should  suffer  death  by 
fire.  In  the  course  of  the  night,  some  of  the  Indians 
became  intoxicated  with  spirits  which  they  had  found 
at  Deerfield,  and  fell  upon  Mr.  Williams’  negro  and 
murdered  him. 

The  second  day’s  march  was  equally  slow,  and  Mr. 
Williams  was  permitted,  for  a short  time,  to  assist  his 
distressed  wife  in  traveling,  who  now  began  to  be  ex- 
hausted ; but  he  was  soon  torn  from  her  and  placed  at 
the  head  of  the  column,  leaving  her  to  struggle  along 
unassisted.  At  the  upper  part  of  Greenfield  meadow, 
it  became  necessary  to  pass  Green  river,  a small  stream 
then  open,  in  performing  which,  Mrs.  Williams  fell 
into  the  water ; but  recovering  herself,  she  with  diffi- 
culty reached  the  shore  and  continued  her  route.  An 
abrupt  hill  was  now  to  be  surmounted,  and  Mr.  Wil- 
liams, who  had  gained  the  summit,  entreated  his  mas- 
ter (for  so  the  Indian  who  captured  him  was  called,) 
for  leave  to  return  and  help  forward  his  distressed 
wife,  but  was  barbarously  refused,  and  she  was  left 
to  struggle  with  difficulties  beyond  her  power.  Her 
ferocious  master  finding  her  a burthen,  sunk  his  hatchet 
in  her  head,  and  left  her  dead  at  the  foot  of  the  hill. 
Her  body  was  soon  after  taken  up  by  a party  from 


46  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HKROE8. 

field,  and  interred  in  the  public  burial-ground  in  that 
town,  where  her  grave-stones,  with  those  of  her  hus- 
band, Mr.  Williams,  are  still  to  be  seen. 

Rouville  encamped  the  second  night  in  the  northerly 
part  of  the  present  town  of  Bernardston.  A young 
woman  and  an  infant  were  dispatched  in  the  course 
of  this  day’s  march.  At  this  camp  a consultation 
was  held  by  the  Indians  in  regard  to  killing  and 
scalping  Mr.  Williams  ; but  his  master,  unwilling  to 
part  with  so  valuable  a prize,  interfered  and  saved 
him  from  the  hatchet.  The  next  day  the  captives 
were  more  equally  distributed  for  convenience  of 
marching,  and  several  exchanged  masters.  The  fourth 
day  brought  the  army  to  Connecticut  river,  about 
thirty  miles  above  Deerfield,  probably  in  the  upper 
part  of  Brattleborough,  Vermont.  Here  slight  sledges 
were  constructed,  for  the  conveyance  of  the  children, 
wounded  and  baggage,  and  the  march,  which  was  now 
on  the  ice,  became  more  rapid.  One  female  was  this 
day  relieved  from  her  sufferings  by  a stroke  of  the 
hatchet. 

The  march  on  Connecticut  river  continued  several 
days  without  any  extraordinary  incident,  excepting 
now  and  then  the  murder  of  an  exhausted  captive. 
On  the  first  Sunday,  the  prisoners  were  permitted  to 
halt  and  rest  themselves,  and  Mr.  Williams  delivered  a 
discourse  from  these  words  : * “ The  Lord  is  righteous , 
for  I have  rebelled  against  his  commandments  : Hear 
I pray  you , all  people , and  behold  my  sorroio : My 

* This  sermon  is  said  to  have  been  delivered  at  the  mouth  of  Williams’ 
river,  in  Rockingham,  Vermont : from  ^hich  circumstance  the  river 
received  its  name. 


AM  EODOTE. 


47 


virgins  and  young  men  are  gone  into  captivity .” 
Lamentations,  i.  18. 

At  the  mouth  of  White  river,  Rouville  divided  his 
force  into  several  parties,  and  they  took  different  routes 
to  the  St.  Lawrence.  The  one  which  Mr.  Williams 
accompanied,  ascended  the  former  river,  and  passing 
the  highlands  to  the  Winooski,  proceeded  down 
that  stream  to  Lake  Champlain,  and  continued  the 
march  on  the  lake  to  Missisco  bay,  near  which  they 
joined  a party  of  Indians  on  a hunting  excursion.  On 
reaching  the  Sorel,  they  built  canoes  and  passed  down 
to  Chambly,  where  they  found  a French  fort  and  a 
small  garrison.  Their  route  was  then  continued  to  the 
village  of  Sorel,  where  some  of  the  captives  had  already 
arrived.  Mr.  Williams  was  thence  conveyed  down 
the  St.  Lawrence  to  the  Indian  village  of  St.  Francis, 
and  some  time  after,  to  Quebec  ; and  after  a short 
residence  at  that  place,  was  sent  to  Montreal,  where  he 
was  humanely  treated  by  Governor  Yaudreuil.  Some 
of  Mr.  Williams’  children  accompanied  another  party, 
and  after  much  delay  and  great  suffering,  arrived  at 
various  Indian  lodges  on  the  St.  Lawrence.  In  a few 
instances,  the  captives  were  purchased  of  the  Indians  ; 
but  the  greatest  proportion  were  retained  by  them, 
at  their  lodges  in  various  parts  of  the  country.  Of 
the  one  hundred  and  twelve  taken  at  Deerfield,  * 
about  seventeen  were  killed,  or  died  on  the  march, 
and  the  sufferings  of  all  were  severe  in  the  extreme. 
An  anecdote  is  told  of  a boy  among  the  prisoners  who, 
having  nothing  given  him  to  eat,  ran  up  to  an  old 
Indian,  and  snatched  a bone  from,  his  hands.  Contrary 
to  the  expectation  of  the  other  captives,  the  Indian  was 


48  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

not  displeased,  but  laughed  heartily  at  the  courage  of 
the  lad.  He  was*  afterward  treated  with  much  kind- 
ness, and  became  a favorite  with  the  Indians. 

During  his  captivity,  Mr.  Williams  was  permitted 
to  visit  various  places  on  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  in  his 
interviews  with  the  French  jesuits,  he  found  them 
zealously  attached  to  the  Roman  Catholic  religion,  to 
which  they  spared  no  pains  to  convert  him,  as  well  as 
the  other  captives  ; and  in  some  instances  they  inflicted 
punishments  for  non-compliance  with  their  ceremonies. 
But  they  found  him  as  zealously  attached  to  his  own 
faith,  and  through  his  influence,  most  of  the  captives 
continued  firm  in  the  protestant  persuasion.  In  1706, 
a flag-ship  was  sent  to  Quebec  by  Governor  Dudley,  by 
which  fifty-seven  of  the  captives  were  obtained  and 
conveyed  to  Boston,  among  whom  was  Mr.  Williams* 
and  his  children,  with  the  exception  of  his  daughter 
Eunice,  who,  notwithstanding  all  the  exertions  of  her 
father  to  obtain  her  redemption,  was  left  among  the 
Indians,  and,  adopting  their  manners  and  customs, 
married  a savage,  by  whom  she  had  several  children. 
Some  time  after  the  war,  she  with  her  husband,  visited 
her  relations  at  Deerfield,  dressed  in  the  Indian  cos- 
tume ; and  though  every  persuasion  was  tried  to  induce 
her  to  abandon  the  Indians,  and  to  remain  among  her 
connections,  all  proved  ineffectual;  she  returned  to 

* This  worthy  man  was  born  at  Roxbury,  Massachusetts,  in  the  year 
1664.  In  1683,  after  graduating  at  Hartford  college,  he  became  tho 
pastor  of  the  church  at  Deerfield,  and'was  the  first  settled  minister  in 
the  western  part  of  Massachusetts.  His  people  found  in  him  an  able, 
conscientious,  and  judicious  friend,  capable  both  of  directing  their  devo- 
tions, and  of  assisting  them  in  the  difficulties  and  hardships  of  frontier 
life.  After  his  return  to  Boston,  several  of  the  wealthiest  parishes  in 


THE  BELL  OF  ST.  REGIS. 


49 


Canada,  and  there  ended  her  days,  a true  savage. 
Twenty-eight  of  the  captives  remained  in  Canada, 
and,  mixing  with  the  French  and  Indians,  and  adopting 
their  manners  and  customs,  forgot  their  native  country, 
and  were  lost  to  their  friends. 

New  York  having  agreed  with  the  French  and 
western  Indians  to  remain  neutral,  the  enemy  were 
enabled  to  pour  their  whole  force  upon  Massachusetts 
and  New  Hampshire,  the  inhabitants  of  which,  for  ten 

that  vicinity,  urged  him  to  settle  with  them.  He  declined  any  offer  of 
this  kind,  and,  in  accordance  with  a vow  made  in  his  captivity,  he  re- 
turned to  Deerfield,  collected  his  scattered  flock,  and  began  again  with 
them  the  labors,  and  endured  with  them  the  privations  and  perils  of  a 
new  settlement.  His  salary  was  at  first  forty  pounds,  but  was  raised  in 
1711  to  sixty.  He  married  a second  wife,  by  whom  he  had  several  chil- 
dren. He  remained  at  Deerfield  until  his  death,  in  1728.  His  grandson. 
Dr.  Samuel  Williams,  was  the  first  historian  of  Vermont.  Charles  K. 
Williams,  the  son  of  the  latter,  was  for  thirty  years  a judge  of  the 
supreme  court  of  Vermont,  and  recently  governor  of  that  state. 

One  of  the  motives  for  the  expedition  against  Deerfield,  was  to  recover 
a bell  which  had  been  purchased  in  France  for  a Roman  Catholic  church 
at  St.  Regis,  on  the  St.  Lawrence.  The  French  and  English  being  then 
at  war,  the  vessel  in  which  the  bell  was  shipped  fell  into  the  hands  ef 
the  latter.  It  was  taken  to  Salem,  and  in  1703,  purchased  for  the  church 
of  Mr.  Williams,  at  Deerfield.  After  the  massacre  at  the  latter  place* 
“ the  bell  was  conveyed  in  triumph  through  the  forest  to  Lake  Cham- 
plain, at  the  spot  where  Burlington  now  stands,  where  the  Indians  buried 
it  with  the  benedictions  of  father  Nicolas,  the  priest  of  St.  Regis,  who 
accompanied  them.  Thus  far  they  had  carried  it  by  means  of  timber 
upon  their  shoulders.  They  hastened  home  and  returned  in  early  spring, 
with  oxen  and  sled,  to  convey  the  sacred  bell,  now  doubly  hallowed  in 
th""  minds,  to  its  destination.  The  Indians  of  the  village  had  never 
heard  the  sound  of  a bell,  and  powerful  was  the  impression  upon  theijr 
minds,  when  its  deep  tones,  louder  and  louder,  broke  the  silence  of  the  fre- 
est, as  it  approached  their  village  at  evening,  suspended  upon  a cross-pvece 
of  timber,  and  rung  continually  by  the  delighted  carriers.  It  was  l&ung 
iu  the  steeple  with  solemn  ceremony,  and  there  it  remains.” — Losing. 

3 / '■ 


50  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

, years,  endured  the  miseries  peculiar  to  an  Indian  war, 
of  which  no  description  can  give  an  adequate  idea.  The 
enemy  was  at  all  times  prowling  about  the  frontier 
settlements,  watching  in  concealment  for  an  opportu- 
nity to  strike  a sudden  blow,  and  to  fly  with  safety. 
The  women  and  children  retired  into  the  garrisons ; 
the  men  left  their  fields  uncultivated,  or  labored  with 
arms  at  their  sides,  and  with  sentinels  at  every  point 
whence  an  attack  could  be  apprehended.  Yet,  not- 
withstanding these  precautions,  the  Indians  were  often 
successful,  killing  sometimes  an  individual,  sometimes 
a whole  family,  sometimes  a band  of  laborers  ten  on 
twelve  in  number;  and  so  swift  were  they  in  their 
movements,  that  but  few  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
English. 

Determined  to  give  the  frontiers  no  respite,  and 
probably  animated  by  the  success  of  Rouville  at  Deer- 
field, four  hundred  French  and  Indians  marched  from 
Canada,  the  same  year,  (1704.)  across  the  Green  Moun- 
tains, and,  on  the  31st  of  July,  fell  upon  Lancaster 
in  Massachusetts.  Six  fortified  houses  were  simul- 
taneously attacked,  but  the  enemy  met  with  so  warm 
a reception  that  they  were  compelled  to  retire.  Before 
they  left  the  place,  most  of  the  other  buildings  were 
fired,  and  reduced  to  ashes.  Three  hundred  men  from 
the  adjacent  towns,  hurried  on  to  the  place  toward 
the  close  of  the  day,  came  up  with  and  engaged  the 
enemy,  and  several  were  killed  on  each  side. 

In  the  autumn,  the  French  suffered  a severe  loss, 
by  the  capture  of  a large  store-ship  called  the  Seine, 
on  her  passage  from  France  ; on  board  of  which  were 
a number  of  ecclesiastics  and  laymen,  of  great  fortunes. 


COLONIAL  WAR  WITH  CANADA. 


51 


The  cargo  was  estimated  at  two  hundred  thousand 
dollars.  The  loss  of  this  ship  was  a great  embarrass- 
ment to  the  military  operations  of  the  French  in 
Canada,  and  very  few  depredations  were  committed 
in  1705.  Vaudreuil,  the  governor  of  Canada,  made 
propositions  to  Governor  Dudley  of  Massachusetts,  for 
a treaty  of  neutrality  between  the  hostile  colonies. 
The  latter,  then  contemplating  the  conquest  of  Canada, 
was  opposed  to  the  measure,  but  he  had  the  address 
to  protract  the  negotiation,  under  the  pretense  of  con- 
sulting the  other  English  governors.  In  the  mean 
time,  negotiations  for  an  exchange  of  prisoners  were 
carried  on ; and  it  was  by  this  arrangement  that  a 
large  portion  of  the  Deerfield  captives  were  finally 
released. 

In  1707,  Massachusetts,  New  Hampshire  and  Rhode 
Island  dispatched  an  armament  against  Port  Royal 
in  Nova  Scotia,  then  in  possession  of  the  French, 
which  returned,  however,  without  effecting  its  object ; 
but  in  1710,  the  troops  of  New  England,  assisted  by 
a British  fleet,  succeeded  in  reducing  the  place,  and 
in  compliment  to  Queen  Anne,  changed  its  name  to 
Annapolis. 

The  only  effectual  way  to  put  an  end  to  the  depre- 
dations of  the  enemy,  seemed  to  be  the  subjugation  of 
Canada.  Representations  to  this  effect  were  acqui- 
esced in  by  the  British  ministry  early  in  1709,  and 
they  promised  to  dispatch  a squadron,  containing  five 
regiments,  to  Boston.  The  colonial  governments  east 
of  Connecticut,  were  required  to  raise  twelve  hun- 
dred men,  with  suitable  transports  and  provisions  for 
three  months,  to  accompany  the  British  troops  against 


f. 

52  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN -MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

Quebec.  The  other  colonies  were  to  equip  fifteen 
hundred  men  to  proceed  by  the  way  of  Lake  Chain- 
plain,  and  make  an  attack  upon  Montreal.  The  latter 
were  put  under  the  command  of  Governor  Nicholson, 
who,  early  in  the  summer,  marched  to  Lake  Cham- 
plain, to  be  in  readiness  to  cooperate  with  the  arma- 
ment to  be  dispatched  against  Quebec.  These  were 
joined  by  six  hundred  Indians.  While  the  latter 
were  engaged  in  the  construction  of  canoes,  the  for- 
mer were  cutting  roads  between  the  Hudson  river 
and  Lake  Champlain,  erecting  forts,  and  supplying 
them  with  provisions.  Every  thing  promised  success. 
The  Indians  appeared  to  be  heartily  engaged  in  the 
enterprise.  Joy  and  triumphant  exultation  pervaded 
the  colonies.  But  the  English  squadron  was  delayed 
far  beyond  the  appointed  time,  and  at  last  intelligence 
arrived  that,  on  account  of  reverses  in  Portugal,  the 
fleet  destined  for  this  enterprise  was  directed  to  pro- 
ceed to  the  relief  of  the  British  army  in  Portugal. 
In  connection  with  this  disappointment,  a fatal  epi- 
demic broke  out  among  the  troops  on  Lake  Champlain. 
Probably  not  less  than  a thousand  men  fell  victims 
to  this  epidemic,  which,  with  the  non-arrival  of  the 
promised  force  from  England,  induced  Nicholson  to 
abandon  the  enterprise  and  to  dismiss  his  troops. 
Thus  terminated  the  second  great  effort  for  the  sub- 
jugation of  the  French  in  Canada. 

Encouraged,  however,  by  the  success  of  his  expedi- 
tion against  Port  Poyal,  Governor  Nicholson  visited 
England  in  1710,  to  concert  another  campaign  for 
the  complete  subjugation  of  Canada.  His  plans  were 
adopted,  and  in  June,  1711,  Admiral  Walker,  with  a 


BRITISH  FLEET  DISPERSED. 


53 


fleet  of  fifteen  ships  of  war,  and  forty  transports, 
bringing  an  army  of  veteran  troops,  arrived  at  Boston. 
Taking  on  board  two  additional  regiments,  he  sailed 
from  that  port  about  the  last  of  July.  At  the  same 
time,  Governor  Nicholson  repaired  to  Albany,  to  take 
command  of  the  troops  that  were  to  proceed  by  the 
way  of  Lake  Champlain.  When  the  fleet  had  ad- 
vanced ten  leagues  up  the  St.  Lawrence,  the  weather 
became  tempestuous  and  foggy.  A difference  of 
opinion  arose  concerning  the  course  to  be  pursued  : 
the  English  pilots  recommending  one  course,  and 
the  colonial  another.  The  admiral,  like  most  English 
officers,  preferred  the  advice  of  his  own  pilots  to  the 
colonial.  Pursuing  the  course  they  recommended, 
during  the  night,  nine  transports  were  driven  upon 
the  rocks  and  dashed  to  pieces.  From  every  quarter 
cries  of  distress  arose,  conveying,  through  the  dark- 
ness, to  those  who  were  yet  afloat,  intelligence  of  the 
fate  of  their  comrades,  and  of  their  own  danger.  The 
shrieks  of  the  drowning  pleaded  powerfully  for  assist- 
ance, but  none  could  be  afforded  until  the  morning 
dawned,  when  six  or  seven  hundred,  found  floating 
on  the  scattered  wrecks,  were  rescued  from  death, 
more  than  a thousand  having  sunk  to  rise  no  more. 
Only  one  of  the  colonial  vessels  was  wrecked,  but 
all  the  persons  on  board  escaped  the  watery  grave 
in  which  so  many  of  their  brethren  from  the  mother 
country  were  lost.  Weakened  by  this  terrible  disaster, 
the  admiral  determined  to  abandon  the  enterprise  and 
return  to  England. 

The  army  designed  to  invade  Canada  by  way  of 
L?ke  Champlain,  had  not  advanced  far  from  Albany, 


54-  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

before  they  received  intelligence  of  the  disaster  which 
had  attended  the  fleet.  Nothing  remained  for  Nichol- 
son but  to  disband  his  troops  and  return.  The  Mar- 
quis de  Yaudreuil,  governor  of  Canada,  had  been  at 
Quebec,  preparing  to  repulse  the  British  armament. 
He  received  intelligence  from  the  fishermen,  that  sev- 
eral vessels  had  been  wrecked,  and  that  numerous 
dead  bodies,  with  red  coats,  had  drifted  to  the  shore, 
but  that  there  were  no  ships  iri  the  river.  Yaudreuil, 
justly  concluding  that  the  English  fleet  had  suffered 
so  much  as  to  induce  them  to  abandon  their  attempt 
upon  Quebec,  ordered  his  united  forces  to  Montreal 
and  Lake  Champlain,  to  oppose  the  advance  of  Nich- 
olson’s army.  Three  thousand  French  troops  were 
posted  at  Chambly,  to  check  his  approach  to  Mon- 
treal. But  Yaudreuil  soon  learned  that  he  had  nothing 
to  fear  from  the  colonial  army ; that  it  had  been  dis- 
banded upon  the  intelligence  of  the  disaster  that  had 
befallen  the  fleet;  and  that  the  people  of  Albany, 
instead  of  being  engaged  in  any  hostile  attempts  against 
Montreal,  were  in  much  anxiety  concerning  their  own 
safety.  But  he  was  not  prepared  to  take  advantage 
of  the  calamities  of  the  English,  and  invade  the  col- 
onies. Such  was  the  disastrous  termination  of  the 
third  systematic  attempt  to  subjugate  Canada. 

In  1713,  the  treaty  of  Utrecht  put  an  end  to  the 
wars  between  the  French  and  English  colonies,  and  for 
thirty  years  they  enjoyed  the  benefits  of  peace.  Dur- 
ing this  period  of  tranquillity,  the  earliest  settlements 
in  Yermont  occurred,  and  were  made  almost  contempo- 
raneously by  the  English  on  the  Connecticut  river,  and 
by  the  French  on  Lake  Champlain.  The  boundaries 


FRENCH  DISCOVERIES. 


55 


between  the  two  nations  had  never  been  defined,  and 
as  the  outskirts  of  their  respective  settlements  began 
to  meet,  disputes  in  regard  to  jurisdiction  arose,  and 
the  red  flames  of  war  were  again  kindled. 

The  early  discoveries  of  Cartier  had  turned  the  eyes 
of  France  toward  the  St.  Lawrence  and  the  neighbor- 
ing territory,  and  established  her  claim  to  it,  according 
to  that  peculiar  code  by  which  European  powers  had 
deemed  it  proper  to  apportion  among  themselves  the 
rest  of  the  world.  Although  Canada  had  scarcely  any 
likeness  to  the  smiling  and  luxuriant  aspect  of  Florida, 
or  even  of  Virginia,  yet  it  opened  into  regions  of  vast 
extent ; and  the  tracing  to  distant  fountains  the  sear 
like  abyss  of  its  waters,  presented  more  than  common 
attraction  to  curiosity  and  adventure.  But  for  fifty 
years  after  their  discovery,  the  French  government 
gave  but  little  encouragement  to  the  plan  of  colonizing 
these  northern  regions,  and  after  the  project  was  un- 
dertaken, more  attention  was  given  to  the  consolidation 
and  improvement  of  the  colony,  than  to  exploring  the 
expanse  of  interior  America.  The  Count  de  Fron- 
tignac,  however,  was  of  a more  enterprising  spirit.  He 
extended  the  range  of  settlement  to  the  shores  of  Lake 
Ontario,  built  there  a fort  to  which  his  own  name  was 
given,  and  opened  an  intercourse  with  the  tribes  who 
roamed  over  the  boundless  plains  westward  of  the 
Alleghanies.  Hot  content  with  this,  he  determined  to 
explore  the  mighty  stream  which  was  said  to  pour  its 
stupendous  current  in  a direction  opposite  to  that  of 
all  the  streams  then  known  in  America,  but  toward 
some  distant  ocean  that  lay  far  in  the  south  and  west. 
In  the  existing  darkness  as  to  the  boundaries  of  the 


56  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

continent,  it  was  concluded  that  this  could  only  be  the 
Mer  Vermeio,  or  Gulf  of  California,  by  which  it  was 
hoped  that  the  long-sought  passage  might  be  found  to 
the  golden  regions  of  India.  The  strongest  motives, 
therefore,  impelled  the  count  to  strain  every  effort  for 
its  discovery.  There  was  no  want  of  bold  and  fitting 
men  ready  to  engage  in  the  enterprise.  M.  Joliet,  with 
but  six  white  men  and  two  Indians  for  guides,  setting 
forth  in  two  bark  canoes,  undertook  to  cross  this  great 
continent.  Proceeding  to  Lake  Michigan,  they  passed 
by  way  of  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  rivers  to  the  Missis- 
sippi. Floating  down  the  current,  they  heard  in  a few 
days,  from  the  right,  the  roar  of  a great  stream,  and 
soon  after  saw  another  river,  with  even  a more  prodig- 
ious current  than  that  of  the  Mississippi.  Following 
these  two  streams  until  they  reached  the  mouth  of  the 
Arkansas,  they  became  convinced  that  the  Mississippi 
emptied  itself  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  not,  as  they 
had  expected  and  hoped,  into  the  Pacific.  Fearing 
that,  by  following  farther  on,  they  might  fall  into  the 
hands  of  the  Spaniards  who  were  exploring  the  gulf, 
they  determined  to  return  to  Canada.  La  Salle  after- 
ward followed  the  same  route,  and  as  early  as  1699, 
the  French  began  settlements  in  lower  Louisiana,  and 
in  1717  founded  New  Orleans. 

Being  in  possession  of  the  inland  seas  of  Canada,  as 
they  were  called,  and  of  the  meuths  of  the  two  largest 
rivers  in  North  America,  the  French  conceived  the 
magnificent  idea  of  uniting  their  northern  and  south- 
ern possessions  by  a chain  of  forts  along  the  banks  of 
the  Ohio  and  Mississippi,  and  by  that  means  of  *on- 
fining  the  English  colonists  to  the  eastern  side  o5  the 


THE  FRENCH  FORTIFY  LAKE  CHAMPLAIN. 


57 


Alleghanies.  In  pursuance  of  this  plan,  in  the  year 
1731,  they  ascended  Lake  Champlain  with  a consider- 
able force,  intending  to  erect  fortifications  at  the  most 
commanding  positions.  Iso  rfreasure  could  have  been 
better  adapted  to  promote  their  own  interest.  It  was 
through  Lake  Champlain  that  their  troops  had  marched 
in  their  expeditions  against  Schenectady,  the  Mohawk’s 
castles,  and  Deerfield.  It  was  through  this  lake  that 
their  scouting  parties  found  the  most  easy  and  safe 
passage  in  their  excursions  against  the  English  colonies. 
In  all  the  attempts  of  the  English  to  effect  the  conquest 
of  Canada,  the  attacks  upon  Montreal  it  was  always 
contemplated  should  be  effected  through  the  waters  of 
Lake  Champlain.  To  erect  a fortress  at  the  south  end 
of  this  lake  was  to  secure  the  whole  navigation  of  it, 
and  the  command  of  a large  portion  of  the  English 
and  Indian  frontier.  From  this  commanding  situation, 
the  French  could  not  only  defeat  the  attempts  of  the 
English  to  penetrate  their  own  country,  but  would 
always  have  a magazine  of  arms  and  ammunition,  to 
supply  their  own  troops  and  scouting  parties,  and  an 
asylum  to  which  the  Indians  might  readily  retreat, 
from  their  plundering  and  scalping  expeditions  against 
the  English  frontiers.  And  by  means  of  the  river 
Sorel  and  the  lake,  the  fort  might  always  be  reinforced 
in  three  or  four  days,  or  receive  any  supplies  without 
difficulty  or  danger. 

The  French  garrison  was  at  first  placed  on  the  east 
side  of  the  lake,  and  the  settlement  began  in  what  is 
now  the  town  of  Addison.  On  the  western  side,  a 
more  convenient  situation  was  found,  however,  in 

which  the  harbor  was  good,  and  the  fortress  would  bo 

3* 


58  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN -MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

encompassed  by  water  on  three  of  its  sides.  On  this 
spot,  now  called  Crown  Point,  the  French  erected  a 
fort  sufficiently  strong  to  resist  any  force  that  could 
be  suddenly  or  easily  bfought  against  it,  and  gave  it 
the  name  of  St.  Frederick.  The  land  on  which  it  was 
erected  properly  belonged  to  the  Six  Nations ; but 
it  was  claimed  by  the  government  of  New  York,  and 
had  been  granted  by  one  of  their  governors,  so  early  as 
1696,  to  Dellius,  the  Dutch  minister  of  Albany.  The 
designs  of  the  French,  and  the  dangerous  consequences 
attending  the  erection  of  their  new  fort,  were  well  un- 
derstood in  the  English  colonies.  The  Massachusetts 
government  was  not  a little  alarmed.  Mr.  Belcher, 
the  governor,  gave  the  first  information  to  the  gov- 
ernment of  New  York,  of  the  French  proceedings. 
Still,  through  the  passiveness  of  the  council,  the  French 
were  suffered  to  advance  nearly  two  hundred  miles 
toward  Albany,  and  to  erect  a fortress  which  would 
enable  them,  in  any  future  war,  to  make  their  assaults 
with  safety  and  success  upon  the  frontier  settlements 
of  New  York,  Massachusetts,  and  New  Hampshire. 

The  war  which  had  so  long  distressed  the  frontiers 
of  Massachusetts  and  New  Hampshire,  effectually  pre- 
vented the  progress  of  settlements  to  the  north  and 
west.  From  1703  to  1713,  the  inhabitants  being 
constantly  harassed  by  calls  for  military  service,  agri- 
culture was  suffered  to  languish,  many  people  were 
killed  or  captured,  a heavy  public  debt  was  incurred, 
and  the  population  of  the  country  was  vastly  below 
what  it  would  have  been,  had  an  uninterrupted  peace 
been  maintained.  According  to  Hutchinson,  from 
1675,  the  beginning  of  Philip’s  war,  to  1713,  five  or 


POPULATION  OF  THE  COUNTRY. 


59 


six  thousand  of  the  youth  of  the  country  had  been 
destroyed  by  the  enemy,  or  diseases  contracted  by  the 
war ; nine  in  ten  of  these  would  have  been  fathers  of 
families,  and,  in  the  course  of  forty  years,  must  have 
multiplied  to  near  one  hundred  thousand.  The  north- 
ern and  western  part  of  New  York  was  a wilderness, 
little  known  to  the  English. 

Nor  was  the  war  less  embarrassing  to  the  progress 
of  settlements  and  population  in  Canada.  In  1714,  the 
whole  number  of  inhabitants,  from  fourteen  to  sixty 
years  of  age,  able  to  bear  arms,  was  four  thousand 
four  hundred  and  eighty -four.  The  standing  forces  at 
that  time  were  twenty-eight  companies  of  marines, 
paid  by  the  king,  containing  six  hundred  and  twenty 
eight  men ; but  the  Indians  were  numerous,  always 
ready  to  turn  out  on  short  notice,  and  as  they  were  fre- 
quently led  by  daring  French  officers,  their  incursions 
were  generally  attended  with  distressing  consequences. 

Relieved  from  the  war,  the  inhabitants  of  New 
England  now  turned  their  attention  to  their  internal 
affairs,  and  the  improvement  of  their  plantations  ; and 
the  settlers  who  had  been  shut  up  in  fortified  houses, 
or  driven  from  their  plantations,  now  flattered  them- 
selves that  they  should  not  again  be  molested  by  the 
Indians.  But  this  was  a vain  hope,  for  a renewal  of 
war  between  England  and  France  must  necessarily 
produce  hostilities  between  their  colonies,  and  all  the 
horrors  of  savage  war  must  be  again  sustained.  A 
fleet  sufficient  to  block  up  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  a 
small  invading  army  by  Lake  Champlain  under  an 
able  commander,  would  have  put  an  end  to  the  embar 
rassments  so  long  suffered  by  the  English  colonies. 


GO  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

During  the  calm  which  followed  the  peace  of  Utrecht, 
the  English  colonies  increased  their  settlements  north 
and  west.  New  York,  Massachusetts,  and  New  Hamp- 
shire extended  their  grants  of  land  into  the  present 
limits  of  the  state  of  Vermont.  Fort  Dummer  was 
erected  by  Massachusetts  in  1724,  on  the  west  bank 
of  the  Connecticut  river,  near  the  place  where  the  vil- 
lage of  Brattleborough  has  since  grown  up,  and  was 
thus  named  in  compliment  to  Mr.  Dummer,  lieutenant- 
governor  of  Massachusetts.  Other  forts  were  built  in 
its  immediate  vicinity  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Con- 
necticut, and  many  families  settled  near  them  on  both 
sides  of  the  river.  These  pioneers  were  considerably 
harassed  by  a war,  which  raged  principally  in  New 
Hampshire,  between  the  whites  and  Indians,  and  which 
was  generally  known  as  “Lovewell’s  war,”  from  the 
name  of  a successful  leader  of  the  English.  The  In- 
dians were  said  to  have  been  instigated  by  Sebastian 
Rolle,  a jesuit,  who  had  long  been  settled  among  them, 
and  possessed  great  influence  with  several  tribes.*  The 
war  was  begun  in  1723,  and  concluded  in  1725. 

* Rolle  was  slain  in  battle,  while  fighting  against  the  English.  He 
had  been  a very  active  agent  in,  if  not  the  principal  cause  of  the  war, 
and  his  death  was  considered  a very  auspicious  event,  by  the  English. 
It  must  be  acknowledged,  however,  that  he  was  a loss  to  the  literaiy 
world.  Previous  to  his  residence  at  Norridgewock,  he  had  spent  six 
years  in  traveling  among  the  various  tribes  in  the  interior  of  America, 
and  he  had  learned  most  of  their  languages.  He  was  nearly  forty  yearn 
a missionary,  twenty-six  of  which  he  had  spent  at  Norridgewock  among 
the  Indians  ; and  with  their  manners  and  customs  he  had  become  inti- 
mately acquainted.  His  letters  on  various  subjects,  evince  that  he  was 
a man  of  superior  natural  powers,  which  had  been  improved  by  an  edu- 
cation in  a college  of  jesuits  in  Europe.  With  the  learned  languages  he 
was  thoroughly  acquainted,  and  by  his  assiduity,  he  had  taught  many 


LOUISBOURG. 


61 


In  1744,  England  again  declared  war  against  France 
and  Spain,  which  again  involved  the  colonies  in  hos- 
tilities with  the  enemies  of  the  mother  country  and 
their  Indian  allies.  The  savages  took  up  the  hatchet 
with  great  alacrity,  and  the  frontier  posts  suffered 
severely.  Commerce,  in  general,  and  especially  the 
fisheries,  suffered  great  injury  from  privateers  fitted 
out  at  Louishourg,  a French  port  on  Cape  Breton. 
Its  situation  gave  it  such  importance,  that  nearly  six 
millions  of  dollars  had  been  expended  on  its  fortifi- 
cations. The  place  was  deemed  so  strong  as  to  de- 
serve the  appellation  of  the  Dunkirk  of  America. 
In  peace,  it  was  a safe  retreat  for  the  ships  of  France, 
bound  homeward  from  the  East  and  West  Indies. 
In  war,  it  gave  the  French  the  greatest  advantages 
for  ruining  the  fishery  of  the  northern  English  colonies, 
and  endangered  the  loss  of  Nova  Scotia.  The  reduc- 
tion of  this  place  was,  for  these  reasons,  an  object 
of  the  highest  importance  to  New  England ; and  Mr. 

of  his  converts  to  read  and  write,  and  to  correspond  with  him  in  their 
own  language.  With  the  principal  clergymen  of  Boston,  he  held  a cor- 
respondence in  Latin.  He  possessed  great  skill  in  controversy,  and 
made  some  attempts  at  Indian  poetry.  By  a compliance  with  the  In- 
dian mode  of  life,  and  a gentle,  condescending  deportment,  he  had 
gained  the  affections  of  the  savages.  But  he  used  the  offices  of  devotion 
as  incentives  to  Indian  ferocity,  and  even  kept  a flag,  on  which  was  de- 
picted a cross  surrounded  by  bows  and  arrows,  which  he  used  to  hoist 
on  a pole  at  the  door  of  his  church  when  he  gave  the  Indians  absolution, 
previous  to  their  engaging  in  any  enterprise.  A dictionary  of  the 
Norridgewock  language,  composed  by  him,  was  found  among  his  papers, 
which  is  now  deposited  in  the  library  of  Harvard  college.  It  is  a quarto 
volume  of  five  hundred  pages.  Rolle  was  in  the  sixty-seventh  year  of 
his  age  when  he  was  killed.  His  natural  son,  by  an  Indian  woman  who 
had  served  him  as  a laundress,  was  also  slain  during  the  war. 


62  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  Q KEEN-MOUNTAIN  HEKOES. 

Vaughan  of  New  Hampshire,  who  had  often  visited 
that  place  as  a trader,  conceived  the  project  of  an 
expedition  against  it.  He  communicated  it  to  Gov- 
ernor Shirley,  and  being  ardent  and  enthusiastic,  con- 
vinced him  that  the  enterprise  was  practicable,  and 
inspired  him  with  his  own  enthusiasm.  Early  in  Jan- 
uary, 1745,  before  he  received  any  answer  to  the 
communications  he  had  sent  to  England  on  the  sub- 
ject, he  requested  of  the  members  of  the  general 
court,  that  they  would  lay  themselves  under  an  oath 
of  profound  secrecy  in  regard  to  a proposal  of  very 
great  importance.  They  readily  took  the  oath,  and 
he  communicated  to  them  the  plan  which  he  had 
formed  of  attacking  Louisbourg.  The  proposal  was 
at  first  rejected,  but  it  was  finally  carried  by  a ma- 
jority of  one.  Letters  were  immediately  dispatcher' 
to  all  the  colonies,  as  far  as  Pennsylvania,  request 
ing  their  assistance,  and  an  embargo  on  their  ports 
Forces  were  promptly  raised,  and  William  Pepperreli 
was  appointed  commander  of  the  expedition.  This 
officer,  with  several  transports,  sailed  from  Nantucket 
on  the  24th  of  March,  and  arrived  at  Canso  on  the 
4th  of  April.  Here  the  troops,  joined  by  those  of 
New  Hampshire  and  Connecticut,  amounting  collec- 
tively to  upward  of  four  thousand,  were  detained 
three  weeks,  waiting  for  the  ice,  which  environed  the 
island  of  Cape  Breton,  to  be  dissolved.  At  length 
Commodore  Warren,  agreeably  to  orders  from  England, 
arrived  at  Canso  in  the  Superbe,  of  sixty  guns,  with 
three  other  ships  of  forty  guns  each ; and,  after  a 
consultation  with  the  general,  proceeded  to  cruise 
before  Louisbourg.  The  general  soon  after  sailed  with 


SIEGE  OF  LOUISUOUKG. 


63 


the  whole  fleet ; and  on  the  30th  of  April,  coming 
to  anchor  at  Chapeaurouge  Bay,  landed  his  troops, 
Lieutenant-colonel  Vaughan  conducted  the  first  col- 
umn through  the  woods  within  sight  of  Louisbourg, 
and  saluted  the  city  with  three  cheers.  At  the  head 
of  a detachment,  chiefly  of  the  New-Hampshire  troops, 
he  marched  in  the  night  to  the  north-east  part  of  the 
harbor,  where  they  burned  the  warehouses  containing 
the  naval  stores,  and  staved  a large  quantity  of  wine 
and  brandy.  The  smoke  of  this  fire,  driven  by  the 
wind  into  the  grand  battery,  so  terrified  the  French^ 
that,  spiking  the  guns,  they  abandoned  it  and  re- 
tired to  the  city.  The  next  morning,  Vaughan  took 
possession  of  the  deserted  battery ; but  the  most 
difficult  labors  of  the  siege  remained  to  be  performed. 
The  cannon  were  to  be  drawn  nearly  two  miles  over 
a deep  morass,  within  gun-shot  of  the  enemy’s  prin- 
cipal fortifications  ; and  for  fourteen  nights  the  troops, 
with  straps  over  their  shoulders,  sinking  to  their 
knees  in  mud,  were  employed  in  this  arduous  ser- 
vice. The  approaches  were  then  begun  in  the  mode 
which  seemed  most  proper  to  the  shrewd  understand- 
ings of  untaught  militia.  Those  officers  who  were 
skilled  in  the  art  of  war,  talked  of  zig-zags  and 
epaulements ; but  the  troops  made  themselves  merry 
with  the  terms,  and  proceeded  in  their  own  way. 
By  the  20th  of  May,  they  had  erected  five  batteries, 
one  of  which  mounted  five  forty-two-pounders,  and 
did  great  execution.  Meanwhile,  the  fleet  cruising 
in  the  harbor  had  been  equally  successful ; it  cap- 
tured a French  ship  of  sixty -four  guns,  loaded  with 
stores  for  the  garrison,  to  whom  the  loss  was  as 


64:  ETHAN  AELEN  4ND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

distressing  as  to  the  besiegers  the  capture  was  for- 
tunate. English  ships  of  war  were,  besides,  con- 
tinually arriving,  and  added  such  strength  to  the 
fleet,  that  a combined  attack  upon  the  town  was 
resolved  upon. 

Discouraged  by  these  adverse  events  and  menacing 
appearances,  Duchambon,  the  French  commander, 
determined  to  surrender ; and,  on  the  lGth  of  June, 
174:5,  articles  of  capitulation  were  signed.  After  the 
surrender  of  the  city,  the  French  flag  was  kept  flying 
on  the  ramparts,  and  several  rich  prizes  were  thus 
decoyed.  Two  East-Indiamen,  and  one  South  Sea 
ship,  valued  at  six  hundred  thousand  pounds,  were 
taken  by  the  squadron  at  the  mouth  of  the  harbor. 
This  expedition  was  one  of  the  most  remarkable 
events  in  the  history  of  North  America.  It  was  not 
less  hazardous  in  the  attempt,  than  successful  in  the 
execution.  It  displayed  the  enterprising  spirit  of 
New  England ; and  though  it  enabled  Britain  to 
purchase  a peace,  yet  it  excited  her  envy  and  jeal- 
ousy against  the  colonies,  by  whose  exertions  it  was 
acquired.  The  intelligence  of  this  event  spread  rap- 
idly through  the  colonies,  and  diffused  universal  joy. 
Well  might  the  citizens  of  New  England  feel  some- 
what elated.  Without  even  a suggestion  from  the 
mother  country,  they  had  projected,  and  with  but 
comparatively  little  assistance  achieved,  an  enterprise 
of  vast  importance  to  her  and  to  them.  Their  com- 
merce and  fisheries  were  now  secure,  and  their  mari- 
time cities  relieved  from  all  fear  of  attack  from  a 
quarter  recently  so  great  a source  of  dread  and 
discomfort. 


FRENCH  FLEET  DISPERSED. 


65 


Fired  with  resentment  at  their  loss,  the  French  made 
extraordinary  exertions  to  retrieve  it,  and  to  inflict 
chastisement  on  New  England.  The  next  summer 
they  dispatched  to  the  American  coast  a powerful 
fleet,  carrying  a large  number  of  soldiers.  The  news 
of  its  approach  spread  terror  throughout  New  England  fe 
but  an  uncommon  succession  of  disasters  deprived  it 
of  all  power  to  inflict  injury.  After  remaining  a 
short  time  on  the  coast,  it  returned  to  France,  hav- 
ing lost  two  admirals,  both  of  whom,  it  was  supposed, 
put  an  end  to  their  lives  through  chagrin ; having 
also,  by  tempests,  been  reduced  to  one-half  of  its 
forme^  force,  without  effecting  any  of  the  objects 
anticipated. 

In  former  wars,  several  routes  had  been  traversed 
by  the  enemy  in  approaching  the  frontiers  of  the  New- 
England  colonies  from  Canada.  One  by  the  river  St. 
Francis  through  Lake  Memphremagog,*  thence  over 
portages  to  the  Pasumsic  river,  which  empties  into  the 
Connecticut  at  Barnet.  Another  was  through  Lake 
Champlain  by  the  present  town  of  Whitehall,  thence 
up  Wood  or  Pawit  creek,  and  over  the  Green  Moun- 
tains to  the  Connecticut.  Otter  creek,  the  Winooski, 
Lamoille  and  White  rivers,  emptying  into  Lake  Cham- 
plain, were  also  frequented  routes  in  passing  over  the 
Green  Mountains  to  the  corresponding  rivers  on  its 
eastern  slope  emptying  into  the  Connecticut.  All 
portions  of  that  territory  were  therefore  familiar  to  the 

* This  lake  is  thirty  miles  long,  and  two  or  three  in  width.  It  lies 
mostly  in  Canada,  but  the  south  end  extends  into  Vermont.  The  Indian 
words  from  which  its  name  is  derived  are  Mem-plow -bouque,  signifying 
a large  expanse  of  water. — See  Thompson's  Gazetteer. 


6 Cl  RT£LAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

French,  and  as  the  scouting  parties  of  the  English 
were  alsp  penetrating  northward  to  intercept  the  en- 
emy, Yermont,  which  had  been  the  highway  of  war 
parties,  became  the  scene  of  many  fierce  and  bloody 
affrays.  The  French  fortress  of  St.  Frederick,  (called 
Afterward,  by  the  English,  Crown  Point,)  afforded  great 
facilities  for  sudden  and  successful  attacks  upon  the 
English  settlements.  The  history  of  a war  on  the  fron- 
tiers is  little  else  than  the  recital  of  the  exploits,  the 
sufferings,  and  the  deliverance  of  individuals,  of  sin- 
gle families,  or,  at  most,  of  small  parties.  The  first 
incursion  of  the  Indians  was  at  the  “great  meadow,” 
(now  Putney,  Vt.,)  a few  miles  above  Fort  Dimmer. 
They  filled  a few  individuals  at  various  times,  and 
carried  others  into  captivity.  One  case  of  heroism  is 
mentioned  with  pride.  Two  Indians  captured  Wil- 
liam Phipps  in  his  field.  After  they  had  conducted 
him  some  distance,  the  Indians  being  some  distance 
apart,  Phipps  knocked  down  the  nearest  Indian  with 
his  hoe,  and,  seizing  his  gun,  shot  the  other.  But,  on 
returning  to  the  fort,  he  fell  into  the  hands  of  three 
other  Indians,  who  killed  him. 

In  August,  1746,  a party  of  nine  hundred  French 
and  Indians  attacked  Fort  Massachusetts,  near  the 
south-west  corner  of  Yermont.  The  garrison  consisted 
of  only  twenty-two  men,  under  the  command  of  Ser- 
geant Hawks.  Notwithstanding  the  inferiority  of 
his  force,  this  brave  officer,  knowing  the  character  of 
the  French  commander,  resolved  to  defend  the  place 
to  the  last  extremity.  For  twenty-eight  hours,  with 
small-arms  onty,  and  a scanty  supply  of  ammunition, 
he  resisted  the  efforts  of  the  enemy,  and  kept  them  at 
* 


HEROISM  OF  SERGEANT  HAWKS. 


67 


a respectful  distance.  Habituated  to  sharp-shooting, 
the  garrison  singled  out  the  assailants  wherever  they 
exposed  themselves,  and  brought  them  down  at  long 
shot.  Instances  occurred  in  which  the  enemy  were 
thus  killed,  at  the  extraordinary  distance  of  sixty 
rods ; and  they  often  fell  when  they  supposed  thefn- 
selves  in  perfect  security.  Having  at  length  expended 
most  of  his  ammunition,  the  brave  commander  reluc- 
tantly consented  to  submit,  and  a capitulation  was 
agreed  upon,  by  which  the  garrison  were  to  remain 
prisoners  of  war  until  exchanged  or  redeemed,  to  be 
humanely  treated,  and  to  be  shielded  from  the  cruelty 
of  the  Indians.  Vaudreuil,  in  violation  of  the  articles 
of  capitulation,  delivered  one  half  #of  the  captives  into 
the  hands  of  the  irritated  Indians.  Hawks*  lost  but 
one  man  during  the  siege,  but  the  enemy,  according  to 
information  afterward  obtained,  had  forty-seven  killed 
or  badly  wounded. 

In  the  mean  time,  Shirley,  having  effected  the  con- 
quest of  Louisbourg,  which  must  ever  remain  one  of 
the  hardiest  enterprises  recorded  in  military  annals, 
determined  on  the  conquest  of  Canada.  His  plan, 
like  all  previous  ones  for  the  accomplishment  of  that 
purpose,  contemplated  a simultaneous  attack  on  Quebec 
by  a fleet,  and  an  expedition  by  the  way  of  Lake 
Champlain  against  Crown  Point  and  Montreal.  Like 
the  others,  ill-success  attended  this  enterprise. 

* Sergeant  Hawks  rose  to  the  rank  of  lieutenant-colonel  in  the  array, 
in  the  war  of  1755,  and  was  at  the  attack  on  Ticondero^a  in  1758,  and 
with  the  army  in  the  conquest  of  Canada.  Bold,  hardy,  and  enterprising, 
he  acquired  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  his  superior  officers,  and  was 
intrusted  with  important  commands.  He  was  no  less  valued  by  the  in- 
habitants of  Deerfield,  his  native  town,  for  his  civil  qualities. 


68  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES 

Early  in  the  year  1747,  the  fort  at  Number  F<  t,i’ 
(now  Charlestown,)  near  Fort  Dumraer,  was  attacked 
by  a party  of  three  hundred  French  and  Indians, 
under  the  command  of  a Frenchman  named  Debeline. 
It  was  defended  by  Captain  Phinehas  Stevens,  and 
thirty  men.  The  fort  being  constructed  of  combustible 
materials,  the  enemy  believed  it  possible  to  set  it  on 
fire,  and  thereby  compel  the  garrison  to  surrender 
without  further  opposition.  To  effect  this,  the  neigh- 
boring fences,  and  a log  hut  about  forty  rods  to  wind- 
ward, were  soon  set  on  fire,  and  as  the  wind  was 
strong,  the  flames  approached,  and  covered  the  fort 
with  a dense  body  of  smoke,  through  which  was  heard 
the  terrifying  yell  of  the  savages,  and  a constant  roar 
of  musketry.  Undaunted,  the  brave  little  garrison 
resolved  to  defend  their  post  to  the  last  extremity, 
and  a novel  scheme  was  adopted  to  extinguish  the 
approaching  flames,  which  now  began  to  threaten  its 
destruction.  By  great  exertions,  no  less  than  eleven 
trenches,  or  subterranean  galleries,  were  carried  under 
the  walls,  of  such  a depth  that  men  standing  in  them 
to  extinguish  the  fire  on  the  exterior  walls,  were 
completely  protected  from  the  shot  of  the  enemy. 
Buckets  of  water,  from  a well  within,  were  handed 
to  the  men,  who  kept  the  parapet  constantly  moist- 
ened. Several  hundred  barrels  were  thus  expended, 
and  the  fort  rendered  perfectly  secure  from  the  ap- 
proaching flames.  In  the  mean  time,  a brisk  fire 
was  continued  upon  the  enemy,  when  they  could  be 
distinguished  through  the  smoke.  Thus  baffled  in 
his  plan,  Debeline  resolved  to  carry  the  place  by 
other  means ; a sort  of  carriage  was  prepared,  loaded 


DEFENSE  OF  NUMBER  FOUR. 


69 


with  burning  fagots,  and  forced  toward  the  fort; 
flaming  arrows  were  also  tried,  hut  his  eftorts  to  fire 
the  place  proved  abortive.  On  the  second  day,  De- 
beline  proposed  a cessation  of  hostilities  until  sunrise 
the  next  morning,  to  which  Stevens  assented ; and 
in  the  morning,  before  the  time  had  expired,  Debeline 
approached  with  fifty  men,  under  a flag,  which  he 
planted  within  twenty  rods  of  the  fort.  A parley 
was  then  agreed  on,  and  Stevens  admitted  a lieutenant 
and  two  men  into  the  fort  as  hostages,  and  the  same 
number  were  sent  out  to  Debeline,  who  demanded 
that  the  garrison  should  lay  down  their  arms,  pack 
up  their  provisions  in  blankets,  surrender  the  fort, 
and  be  conducted  prisoners  to  Montreal;  and  Ste- 
vens was  requested  to  meet  him  without  the  fort, 
and  give  an  answer.  Stevens  accordingly  met  the 
French  commander,  but  before  he  had  time  to  return 
his  answer,  Debeline  threatened  that  if  the  terms 
were  rejected,  the  fort  should  be  stormed,  and  in  case 
any  of  his  men  should  be  killed,  the  garrison  should 
be  put  to  the  sword.  Stevens  coolly  replied,  that 
as  he  had  been  intrusted  by  his  government  with  tbe 
command  of  the  fort,  he  should  hearken  to  no  terms, 
until  he  was  satisfied  that  he  could  no  longer  defend 
it.  Stevens  returned  to  the  fort  and  found  his  men 
unanimously  determined  to  defend  the  place  or  die 
in  the  attempt.  This  resolution  was  communicated 
to  the  French  commander  about  noon ; the  hostages 
were  exchanged,  and  the  firing  was  renewed  with  a 
shout  from  the  Indians,  and  it  continued  until  day- 
light the  next  morning,  when  Stevens  was  familiarly 
saluted  with  a “good  morning”  from  the  enemy,  and 


70  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

a proposition  was  made  for  a cessation  of  arms  for 
two  hours.  Soon  after,  two  Indians  approached  with 
a flag,  and  promised  that  if  Stevens  would  sell  them 
provisions,  they  would  leave  the  place  without  further 
efforts.  In  reply,  they  were  told  that  five  bushels  of 
corn  would  be  given  for  each  captive  in  Canada,  for 
whom  they  should  give  hostages,  to  remain  until  the 
captives  should  be  delivered.  In  the  attack  which 
continued  three  days,  thousands  of  balls  were  poured 
upon  the  fort,  yet  not  a man  of  the  garrison  was 
killed,  and  only  two  wounded.  Debeline,  convinced 
that  he  could  not  operate  upon  the  fears  of  his  enemy, 
or  gain  possession  of  the  place  without  an  assault, 
continued  a distant  fire  a short  time ; then  reluctantly 
withdrew  from  the  fort.  When  the  intelligence  of 
this  brave  defense  was  received  at  Boston,  Commo- 
dore Sir  Charles  Knowles,  who  happened  to  be  at 
that  station,  was  so  highly  gratified  at  the  conduct 
of  Stevens,  that  he, sent  him  an  elegant  sword;  and 
Number  Four,  when  incorporated  into  a town  in 
1753,  was  called  after  the  commodore’s  name,  Charles- 
town. It  should  have  been  named  after  its  heroic 
defender. 

Although  baffled  in  their  attempt  on  Number  Four,* 
Debeline’s  forces  remained  on  the  frontiers,  divided 
into  small  parties,  and  were  engaged  in  several  severe 
skirmishes  with  the  hardy  English  pioneers.  Fort 
Durnmer,  Bridgman’s  fort,  and  others,  were  the  scenes 
of  some  of  these  affrays.  Others  occurred  with  bands 

* This  was  one  of  the  four  townships  granted  on  the  east  side  of  the 
Connecticut  by  Massachusetts,  and  then  distinguished  by  no  other  name 
than  their  number. 


BATTLE  NEAR  FORT  DUMMER. 


71 


of  colonial  rangers,  who  made  frequent  excursions  over 
the  Green  Mountains,  and  sometimes  to  the  vicinity 
of  Crown  Point.  One  of  these  bands  of  rangers,  con- 
sisting of  forty  men,  under  the  command  of  Captain 
Hobbs,  met  the  enemy  twelve  miles  west  of  Fort 
Dummer.  The  latter,  one  hundred  and  fifty  in  num- 
ber, were  commanded  by  a half-breed  named  Sackett. 
Confident  of  victory  from  their  immense  superiority 
in  number,  the  enemy  rushed  up  impetuously,  but 
were  checked  by  the  well-directed  fire  of  Hobbs.  The 
two  commanders  had  been  known  to  each  other  in  time 
of  peace,  and  were  celebrated  for  their  intrepidity. 
Sackett,  who  could  speak  English,  in  a stentorian  voice 
frequently  called  upon  Hobbs  to  surrender,  and  threat- 
ened, in  case  of  refusal,  to  rush  in  and  sacrifice  his 
men  with  the  tomahawk.  Hobbs,  in  tones  which  shook 
the  forest,  as  often  returned  a defiance,  and  urged 
his  enemy  to  put  his  threat  in  execution.  The  action 
continued  with  undaunted  resolution,  and,  not  unfre- 
quently,  the  enemy  approached  Hobbs’  line,  but  were 
driven  back  to  their  first  position,  by  the  fatal  fire 
of  ids  sharp-sighted  marksmen ; and  thus  four  hours 
elapsed  without  either  side  giving  up  an  inch  of  their 
original  ground.  At  length,  finding  Hobbs  determined 
on  death  or  victory,  and  that  his  own  men  had  suffered 
severely,  Sackett  ordered  a retreat,  carrying  off  his 
dead  and  wounded,  and  leaving  his  antagonist  to  con- 
tinue his  march  without  further  molestation. 

In  November,  1747,  a descent  was  made  upon  Sara- 
toga, where  about  thirty  families  were  collected.  A 
party  of  French  and  Indians  concealed  themselves  near 
the  fort  at  night.  In  the  morning,  a few  of  the  Indians 


72  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 


approached  the  fort,  and  were  fired  upon  by  the  garri- 
son as  soon  as  they  were  discovered.  The  Indians, 
pretending  to  be  wounded,  fell ; then  rose  up,  and,  run 
ning  a short  distance,  fell  again.  The  English  rushed 
out  to  take  them  prisoners,  when  the  French,  who  had 
been  concealed,  surrounded  and  quickly  disarmed  them 
Several  were  massacred  and  others  were  carried  into 
captivity.* 

The  treaty  of  Aix-la-Chapelle,  in  1748,  again  gave 
peace  to’  the  colonies.  Prisoners  were  to  be  released 
on  both  sides  without  ransom,  and  all  conquests 
mutually  restored.  This  war  had  been  extremely 

* This  expedition  was  led  by  the  Abbe  Picquet,  a distinguished 
jesuit  missionary.  He  was  born  in  1708.  He  became  very  celebrated 
in  France,  at  an  early  age,  and  seemed  rapidly  winning  his  way  to  the 
highest  distinction  in  the  church ; but  the  activity  of  his  zeal  induced  him 
to  becomes  missionary  among  the  Indians.  He  came  to  America  in  1733, 
and  remained  thirty  years.  He  established  a mission  at  La  Presentation, 
(now  Ogdensburg,)  where  he  also  erected  a fort.  Mills,  workshops  and 
trading-houses  were  completed  in  rapid  succession.  Beginning  with  only 
six  families  in  1749,  there  were  ninety  the  year  following,  and  four  hun- 
dred in  1751.  His  industry  and  energy  were  remarkable.  He  labored 
from  three  o’clock  in  the  morning  until  nine  at  night.  His  disinterest- 
edness was  extreme.  He  supported  himself  by  his  own  exertions,  having 
a daily  allowance  of  only  two  pounds  of  bread  and  a half-poundrof  pork 
from  the  government ; which  caused  the  savages  to  say,  on  an  occasion 
when  they  gave  him  a deer  and  some  partridges,  “We  doubt  not,  Father, 
but  that  there  have  been  disagreeable  expostulations  in  your  stomach, 
because  you.  have  had  nothing  but  pork  to  eat.  Here’s  something  to 
put  yonr  affairs  in  order.”  Picquet  had  the  address  to  attach  the  Six  Na- 
tions to  the  French  interests.  Three  thousand  of  these  Indians  were  in 
hns  colony.  He  afterward  distinguished  himself  in  the  war  which  re- 
sulted in  the  conquest  of  Canada.  When,  in  1760,  he  saw  that  all  was 
lost,  he  went  to  New  Orleans  by  the  way  of  the  lakes  and  the  Missis- 
sippi, and  about  two  years  afterward  he  returned  to  France,  and  died  in 
1781. 


FRENCH  AN CROACHMENTS. 


73 

disastrous  to  the  colonies.  Many  lives  were  lost,  the 
increase  of  population  was  checked,  great  losses  were 
sustained  in  the  commercial  interests  of  the  country, 
and  a burdensome  debt  of  several  millions  had  been 
incurred.  With  the  return  of  peace,  however,  com- 
merce revived,  the  settlements  began  to  extend,  and 
public  credit  was  restored. 

But  only  a brief  interval  of  repose  was  allowed  to 
the  colonies.  In  1756,  eight  years  from  the  peace  of 
Aix-la-Chapelle,  Great  Britain  again  declared  war 
against  France,  on  the  ground  of  the  encroachments 
of  the  French  upon  the  English  territories  in  America. 
Some  years  previous  to  this  war,  the  French  had  com- 
menced a chain  of  posts,  designed  to  extend  from  the 
head  of  the  St.  Lawrence  to  the  Mississippi,  with  a 
view  to  maintain  a communication  between  their 
northern  possessions  and  Louisiana.  In  1750,  the 
English  government  granted  a large  tract  of  land  on 
the  Ohio  river  to  an  association  called  the  Ohio  com- 
pany, formed  for  the  purpose  of  settling  the  country, 
and  carrying  on  a trade  in  furs  with  the  Indians.  The 
French  governor  of  Canada,  apprehending  both  the 
loss  of  the  fur  trade  and  the  interruption  of  his  com- 
munications with  Louisiana,  claimed  the  whole  country 
between  the  Ohio  and  the  Alleghanies,  and  prohibited 
the  further  encroachments  of  the  English.  He  also 
opened  a new  communication  between  Lake  Erie  and 
the  Ohio,  and  stationed  troops  at  posts  along  the  line. 
The  Ohio  company,  thus  threatened  in  their  trade, 
persuaded  Governor  Dinwiddie  of  Virginia,  in  1753, 
to  send  a remonstrance  to  the  French  commandant. 

George  Washington  was  the  bearer.  The  commandant 

' 4 


74  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GKKEN-MODNTAIN  HEROES. 

returned  for  answer  that  he  had  taken  possession  of 
the  country  by  order  of  the  governor-general  of  Can- 
ada, whose  orders  alone  he  could  regard.  The  British 
government,  on  learning  the  claim  set  up  by  the 
French,  directed  the  Virginians  to  resist  it  by  force 
In  1754,  an  expedition  was  conducted  against  tho 
French  by  Washington  ; but  the  superior  force  of  the 
enemy  obliged  him  to  capitulate,  with  the  privilege  of 
returning  with  his  troops  to  Virginia.  This  was  prop- 
erly the  commencement  of  what  is  commonly  styled 
the  French  war , although  the  formal  declaration  was 
not  made  till  1756.  In  the  mean  time,  the  British 
government  recommended  the  colonies  to  unite  for 
their  common  defense.  A convention  of  delegates 
from  all  the  northern  colonies  accordingly  met  at  Al- 
bany in  1754,  and  adopted  a plan  of  union;  but  it 
was  rejected  both  by  the  provincial  assemblies  and  by 
the  home  government : by  the  former  because  it  gave 
too  much  power  td  the  crown,  and  by  the  latter  because 
it  gave  too  little.  The  substance  of  the  plan  was  the 
formation  of  a grand  council,  consisting  of  delegates 
from  the  several  colonies,  subject  to  the  control  of  a 
president-general  to  be  appointed  by  the  crown,  whose 
assent  should  be  essential  to  the  adoption  of  any  meas- 
ure of  policy.  This  council,  it  was  proposed,  should 
have  power  to  enact  general  laws,  apportion  the  quotas 
of  men  and  money  to  be  raised  by  each  colony,  deter- 
mine the  building  of  forts,  regulate  the  operations  of 

armies,  and  concert  all  measures  for  their  common 

• 

protection  and  safety.  It  is  worthy  of  remark  that  this 
plan  of  union  was  perfected  on  the  fourth  of  July  the 
day  which  afterward  became  so  memorable  in  oui 


EXPEDITION  AGAINST  CROWN  POINT. 


75 


history.  In  the  spring  of  1755,  vigorous  preparations 
were  made  for  carrying  on  the  war.  An  expedition 
under  General  Braddock,  directed  against  the  French 
on  the  Ohio,  was  unfortunate.  Owing  to  the  arrogance 
and  rashness  of  the  commander,  the  British  troops 
were  surprised  and  defeated,  with  great  loss,  by  a very 
inferior  force  of  French  and  Indians.  General  Brad- 
dock  was  mortally  wounded,  and  the  conduct  of  the 
retreat  devolved  on  Washington,  who  was  in  command 
of  the  colonial  militia,  and  by  whom  the  army  was 
saved  from  total  destruction. 

In  connection  with  Braddock’s  expedition  against 
Fort  Du  Quesne,  two  others  were  concerted : one 
against  Fort  Niagara  and  Frontignac,  to  be  com- 
manded by  Governor  Shirley  of  Massachusetts,  and 
one  against  Crown  Point,  to  be  commanded  by  Gen- 
eral William  Johnson.  The  former  of  these  met  with 
so  many  delays,  that  when  it  arrived  at  Oswego,  the 
season  was  so  far  advanced,  that  prudence  forbade 
the  further  prosecution  of  the  enterprise. 

The  forces  destined  to  attack  Crown  Point,  with 
the  requisite  military  stores,  could  not  be  collected 
at  Albany  until  the  last  of  August,  1755.  Thence 
the  army  under  command  of  General  Johnson,  pro- 
ceeded to  the  south  end  of  Lake  George,*  designing 
to  proceed  to  the  outlet  of  the  lake  at  Ticonderoga, 
and  there  erect  a fort  to  aid  in  the  operations  against 
Crown  Point.  There  he  learned  that  an  armament, 
fitted  out  in  France,  had  eluded  an  English  squadron 

* Until  this  time  the  lake  had  been  called  St.  Sacramei  ,t,  but  Johnson 
gave  it  the  name  of  Lake  George.  Recently,  efforts  have  been  made 
to  restore  to  this  beautiful  lake  the  original  Tndian  name  of  Horicon. 


7')  ETI1AN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

sent  to  intercept  it,  and  had  arrived  at  Quebec;  and 
that  Baron  Dieskau,  commander  of  the  French  forces, 
was  rapidly  advancing  to  the  defense  of  Crown  Point. 
Finding  that  no  immediate  attack  would  be  made  by 
the  English,  and  being  informed  that  Johnson’s  camp 
was  not  strongly  fortified,  Dieskau  resolved  on  march- 
ing toward  the  English  lines.  An  express  that  had 
been  sent  out  by  Johnson,  returned  about  midnight, 
bringing  word  that  the  enemy  was  within  four  miles 
of  Fort  Edward,  apparently  intending  to  attack  that 
post.  It  was  probably  only  a detached  party  of  In- 
dians that  had  been  seen  by  the  express.  This  mis- 
information caused  a severe  disaster.  A council  of 
officers  was  assembled,  who  advised  that  a force 
should  be  sent  to  intercept  the  enemy,  whether  de- 
feated or  victorious,  when  on  his  way  back  from  Fort 
Edward.  Colonel  Ephraim  Williams,  with  a thousand 
troops,  and  Hendrick,  a celebrated  Indian  chief,  with 
two  hundred  Indians,  were  accordingly  detached  for 
this  purpose,  on  the  morning  of  September  8th.  They 
had  proceeded  but  four  miles,  when  they  encountered 
the  enemy.  Dieskau,  informed  by  his  runners  of 
their  approach,  had"  halted  and  prepared  for  their 
reception,  forming  his  forces  in  a semicircle,  the  ends 
of  which  were  far  in  advance  of  the  center,  and  con- 
cealed from  view  by  the  forest.  Into  this  ambuscade 
the  detachment  marched,  wholly  unsuspicious  that 
any  enemy  was  within  several  miles.  Suddenly  the 
war-whoop  resounded  in  every  direction,  and  a gall- 
ing fire  was  opened  all  along  the  front  and  left  side 
of  the  column.  Williams,  to  obtain  a more  defensible 
position,  ordered  his  men  to  ascend  the  rising  ground 


VICTORY  OF  GENERAL  JOHNSON. 


77 


on  their  right.  But  this  only  brought  them  upon  the 
other  wing  of  the  French  line.  Both  Williams  and 
Hendrick,  with  numbers  of  their  followers,  fell,  and 
a confused  retreat  ensued.  A large  portion  of  these 
troops  wTere  from  western  Massachusetts,  and  there 
were  few  families  in  that  district  wdio  did  not  mourn 
the  loss  of  relatives  or  friends  who  were  cut  off  in 
“ the  bloody  morning  scout  at  Lake  George,”  as  this 
encounter  was  familiarly  designated.* 

As  the  firing  came  nearer,  it  w’as  manifest  that 
Williams  was  defeated ; and  three  hundred  men  un- 
der Colonel  Cole,  were  sent  out  to  cover  the  retreat. 
The  discomfited  soldiers  soon  began  to  arrive  in  large 
bodies,  and  at  length,  Dieskau’s  troops  made  their 
appearance.  The  order  and  regularity  with  which 
the  grenadiers  advanced  in  platoons,  with  their  bur- 
nished muskets  glittering  in  the  sun,  wTe  can  readily 
imagine  caused  no  small  trepidation  among  the  raw 
troops  of  which  Johnson’s  force  was  composed.  Fortu 
nately,  a considerable  pause  was  made  by  the  French 
before  commencing  the  attack,  enabling  the  men 
measurably  to  recover  from  their  panic,  and  when 
once  engaged,  they  fought  with  the  calmness  and 
resolution  of  veterans.  The  camp  was  assailed  by 
the  grenadiers  in  front,  and  by  the  Canadians  and 
Indians  u^on  both  flanks.  But  a few  discharges  of 
artillery  against  these  last,  caused  them  to  fall  back 
and  secrete  themselves  behind  logs  and  trees,  from 
whence  they  afterward  maintained  only  an  irregular 
and  nearly  harmless  fire.  General  Johnson  being 
wounded,  was  compelled  to  retire  to  his  tent,  and 

* Fitch's  History  of  Washington  County 


78  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROE8. 

the  command  subsequently  devolved  upon  General 
Lyman,  who  several  times  stationed  himself  in  front 
of  the  breastwork,  the  better  to  inspirit  the  men  and 
direct  their  movements.  For  nearly  four  hours  the 
battle  lasted ; and  the  assailed  still  standing  firm  at 
every  point,  Dieskau  was  constrained  to  order  a re- 
treat. This  order  appears  to  have  been  obeyed  with 
more  alacrity  than  any  that  had  been  given  for  some 
time  previous.  So  hastily  did  the  men  withdraw, 
that  their  leader,  having  been  wounded  in  his  foot, 
was  unable  to  keep  pace  with  them.  Reclining 
against  a stump  to  obtain  temporary  relief  from  his 
pain  and  fatigue,  he  was  discovered  by  a provincial 
soldier.  Dieskau,  to  propitiate  the  soldier,  was  about 
drawing  out  his  watch  to  present  to  him ; whereupon 
the  soldier,  deeming  he  was  searching  for  a pistol, 
discharged  his  musket  at  the  baron,  giving  him  a 
grievous  wound  in  the  hip,  of  which  he  died  twelve 
years  afterward.  The  French  retreated  to  the  ground 
where  the  forenoon  engagement  had  occurred,  and 
there  paused  for  the  night,  searching  out  the  bodies 
of  the  slain,  and  rifling  them  of  whatever  they  found 
of  value  upon  them.* 

This  victory  revived  the  spirits  of  the  colonists, 
depressed  by  the  recent  defeat  of  General  Braddock ; 
but  the  success  was  not  improved  by  General  John- 
son. With  an  apathy  quite  unaccountable,  he  failed 
to  follow  up  his  victory,  and  drive  the  French  from 
Lake  Champlain,  as  he  might  easily  have  done.  The 
remainder  of  the  campaign  was  employed  in  the 
erection  of  Fort  William  Henry,  at  the  head  of  Lake 

* Fitch’s  History  of  Washington  County 


REVIEW  OF  THE  CAMPAIGN  OF  1755.  79 

ueorge.  In  the  fall  his  army  was  discharged,  with 
the  exception  (ft  six  hundred  men  who  occupied  the 
forts  on  the  frontier.  The  French  retained  possession 
of  Ticonderoga,*  and  fortified  it.  Thus  ended  the 
campaign  of  1755.  It  opened  with  the  brightest  pros- 
pects: immense  preparations  had  been  made,  yet 
not  one  of  the  objects  of  the  three  principal  expe- 
ditions had  been  attained ; and,  by  this  failure,  the 
whole  frontier  was  exposed  to  the  ravages  of  the 
Indians,  which  were  accompanied  by  their  usual  acts 
of  barbarity.  The  expedition  under  Braddock  had 
been  conducted  with  extreme  imprudence  and  rash- 
ness, and  had  terminated  in  defeat  and  disgrace. 
The  movement  against  Niagara,  under  Shirley,  had 
been  too  extensive  in  its  plan  to  be  concluded  in  one 
campaign ; and  at  the  northward,  Baron  Dieskau  had 
given  Johnson  an  opportunity  to  gain  a victory 
without  leaving  his  camp  or  exposing  himself  to 
danger. 

The  army  under  General  Johnson,  on  the  frontiers 
of  New  York,  although  it  checked  incursions  to  the 
north-west  quarter  of  Massachusetts,  afforded  but  lit- 
tle security  to  the  frontiers  on  Connecticut  river. 
The  St.  Francis  tribe  of  Indians,  commanding  an 
easy  route  through  Lake  Memphremagog  and  several 
neighboring  streams,  made  frequent  inroads,  and  killed 
many  persons.  But  the  most  disastrous  affair  that 
occurred  on  Connecticut  river,  was  at  Bridgman’s 

# The  original  Indian  name  was  Cheonderoga,  signifying  noisy,  in 
reference  to  the  rush  of  waters  at  the  outlet  of  Lake  George.  It  was 
at  first  called  by  the  French  Carillon,  a word  havmg  the  same  signifi- 
cation as  the  Indian  name. 


80  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

Fort.  A fortified  house  had  been  destroyed  at  the 
same  place  in  1747,  and  another  was  built  soon  after, 
and  is  still  standing  in  Vernon,  Vt.  The  Indians 
found  the  men  belonging  to  this  fort  at  work  in  a field, 
and  shot  them.  Three  women,  with  eleven  children, 
were  taken  prisoners  and  carried  to  Crown  Point. 

Another  band  of  Indians,  the  year  previous,  had 
captured  several  persons  at  Number  Four,  and  had 
taken  them  to  Canada.  Among  these  prisoners  was  a 
Mrs.  Johnson,  who,  on  the  second  day’s  journey,  gave 
birth  to  a daughter,  and  named  her  Captive.*  In 
this  critical  situation,  she  had  little  hope  of  escaping 
the  hatchet ; but,  contrary  to  their  usual  conduct,  the 
Indians  treated  her  and  her  infant  with  tenderness, 
carrying  them  part  of  their  route  on  a litter,  and 
they  took  much  pains  in  nursing  the  infant.  After 
a painful  captivity,  this  little  band  of  sufferers  was 
ransomed,  and  returned  again  to  their  friends. 

The  colonies,  considerably  encouraged  by  the  results 
of  the  campaign  of  1755,  determined  to  renew  and 
increase  their  exertions.  General  Shirley,  to  whom 
the  superintendence  of  all  the  military  operations 

* Captive  Johnson  was  married  to  Colonel  George  Kimball,  and  was 
still  living  a few  years  ago.  At  Yernon,  near  where  she  was  born,  a 
monument  has  been  erected,  on  which  is  the  following  inscription  : “ This 
is  near  the  spot  that  the  Indians  encamped  the  night  after  they  took 
Mr.  Johnson  and  family,  Mr.  Labaree  and  Mr.  Farnsworth,  August  30th, 
1754,  and  Mrs.  Johnson  was  delivered  of  her  child  half  a mile  up  this 
brook. 

“When  trouble  is  near  the  Lord  is  kind. 

He  hears  the  Captive’s  cry ; 

He  can  subdue  the  savage  mind. 

And  learn  it  sympathy.” 

[See  Thompson’ 8 Gazrteer, . 


OPENING  OF  THE  CAMPAIGN  OF  1756.  81 

had  been  confided,  assembled  a council  of  war  at 
New  York,  to  concert  a plan  for  the  ensuing  year. 
He  proposed  that  expeditions  should  be  carried  on 
against  Du  Quesne,  Niagara,  and  Crown  Point,  and 
that  a body  of  troops  should  be  sent,  by  the  way 
of  the  rivers  Kennebec  and  Chaudiere,  to  alarm  the 
French  for  the  safety  of  Quebec.  This  plan  was 
unanimously  adopted  by  the  council.  Shirley,  on  the 
last  of  January,  returned  to  Boston  to  meet  the  as- 
sembly of  Massachusetts,  of  which  colony  he  was 
governor.  He  endeavored  to  persuade  them  to  con- 
cur in  the  measures  proposed ; but,  disgusted  with 
the  proceedings  of  the  last  campaign,  and  especially 
at  General  Johnson  for  neglecting  to  pursue  his  ad- 
vantages, they  were  unwilling  to  engage  in  offensive 
operations,  unless  the  command  of  their  forces  should 
be  given  to  General  Winslow,  who  had  acquired 
popularity  by  his  success  in  Nova  Scotia.  Their 
wishes  were  complied  with,  and  their  concurrence 
was  then  granted.  In  April,  news  arrived  from 
Great  Britain,  that  the  conduct  of  General  JohnsGn, 
instead  of  being  censured,  was  considered  highly 
meritorious  ; that,  as  a reward  for  his  success,  the 
king  had  conferred  upon  him  the  title  of  baronet, 
and  parliament  a grant  of  five  thousand  pounds 
sterling;  that  his  majesty  disapproved  of  the  conduct 
of  Shirley,  and  had  determined  to  remove  him  from 
command.  This  information  not  being  official,  Gen- 
eral Shirley  continued  his  preparations  with  his  usual 
activity  and  zeal.  While  engaged  in  collecting  at 
Albany,  the  troops  from  the  different  colonies,  General 
Webb  brought  from  England,  official  information  of 


82  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

his  removal.  On  the  25th  of  June,  General  Aber- 
crombie arrived  and  took  command  of  the  army. 
It  now  consisted  of  about  twelve  thousand  men,  and 
was  more  numerous,  and  better  prepared  for  the  field, 
than  any  army  that  had  ever  been  assembled  in 
America. 

The  change  of  commanders  delayed  the  operations 
of  the  English  army.  The  French  were  active;  and 
on  the  12th  of  July,  General  Abercrombie  received 
intelligence  that  they  meditated  an  attack  upon 
Oswego,  a post  of  the  utmost  importance.  General 
Webb  was  ordered  to  prepare  to  march  with  a regi- 
ment for  the  defense  of  that  place.  In  the  mean 
time,  Lord  Loudon,  who  had  been  appointed  com- 
mander-in-chief over  all  the  British  forces  in  the 
colonies,  arrived  in  America.  Amidst  the  ceremo- 
nies which  followed,  the  affairs  of  the  war  were  for- 
gotten. General  Webb  did  not  begin  his  march  until 
the  12th  of  August.  Before  he  had  proceeded  far, 
he  learned  that  Oswego  was  actually  besieged  by  a 
large  army  of  French  and  Indians.  Alarmed  for  his 
own  safety,  he  proceeded  no  further,  but  employed 
his  troops  in  erecting  fortifications  for  their  defense. 
General  Montcalm,  the  commander  of  the  French 
troops  in  Canada,  began  the  siege  of  Oswego  on  the 
12th  of  August.  On  the  14th,  the  English  commander 
having  been  killed,  terms  of  surrender  were  proposed 
by  the  garrison,  and  were  agreed  to.  These  terms 
were  shamefully  violated.  Several  of  the  British  offi- 
cers and  soldiers  were  insulted,  robbed,  and  massa- 
cred by  the  Indians.  Most  of  the  sick  were  scalped 
in  the  hospitals,  and  the  French  general  delivered 


CLOSE  OF  THE  CAMPAIGN  OF  1756.  83 

twenty  of  the  garrison  to  the  savages,  that  being  the 
number  they  had  lost  during  the  siege.  Those  un- 
happy  persons  were,  doubtless,  according  to  the  Indian 
custom,  tortured  and  burnt.  In  this  expedition  the 
French  took  fourteen  hundred  prisoners,  and  an  im- 
mense quantity  of  provisions  and  munitions  of  war. 
General  Webb  was  permitted  to  retreat,  unmolested,  to 
Albany.  Lord  Loudon  pretended  it  was  now  too  late 
in  the  season  to  attempt  any  thing  further,  though 
the  troops  under  General  Winslow  were  within  a . few 
days’  march  of  Tjconderoga  and  Crown  Point,  and 
were  sufficient  in  number  to  justify  an  attack  upon 
those  places.  He  devoted  the  remainder  of  the  season 
to  making  preparations  for  an  early  and  vigoro 
campaign  the  ensuing  year.  This  spring  had  opened 
with  still  more  brilliant  prospects  than  the  last ; and 
the  season  closed  without  the  occurrence  of  a single 
event  that  was  honorable  to  the  British  arms,  or 
advantageous  to  the  colonies.  This  want  of  success 
was  justly  attributed  to  the  removal  of  the  provincial 
officers,  who  were  well  acquainted  with  the  theater 
of  operations,  but  whom  the  ministry,  desirous  of 
checking  the  growth  of  talents  in  the  colonies,  were 
unwilling  to  employ.  Yet  the  several  assemblies, 
though  they  saw  themselves  thus  slighted,  and  their 
money  annually  squandered,  made  all  the  prepara- 
tions that  were  required  of  them  for  the  next  campaign. 

In  the  campaign  of  1756,  two  persons,  who  were 
destined  to  win  imperishable  honor  in  the  war  of  the 
Revolution,  received  their  first  military  discipline. 
These  were  Israel  Putnam  and  John  Stark.  There 
were  no  great  engagements  during  the  year  in  which 


84  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

they  could  distinguish  themselves ; but  in  the  arduous 
duties  of  scouts  or  rangers,  they  were  eminently  useful, 
and  were  soon  found  to  be  foremost  among  the  skillful, 
active  and  daring.  In  January,  1757,  Major  Rogers, 
in  whose  company  of  rangers  Stark  * was  a lieutenant, 
was  ordered  on  a reconnoitering  expedition  down  Lake 
George  toward  Ticonderoga.  Traveling  now  on  the 

* Stark  was  born  in  New  Hampshire,  August  28th,  1728.  His  early 
life  was  one  of  great  hardship.  In  1752,  he  was  taken  prisoner  by  the 
Indians.  While  on  a hunting  excursion  with  three  other  persons,  far  to 
the  north  of  the  English  settlements  on  the  Connecticut,  and  while  sep- 
arated from  his  companions,  he  was  seized  by  a party  of  ten  Indians. 
On  being  questioned  about  his  companions,  he  pointed  in  a direction 
opposite  to  that  which  they  had  taken,  and  thus  succeeded  in  leading  the 
Indians  two  miles  out  of  the  way.  His  companions,  unfortunately,  be- 
coming alarmed  at  his  absence,  and  ignorant  of  its  cause,  fired  several 
guns  as  a signal  to  him.  This  betrayed  them  to  the  savages.  But  John 
had  the  courage,  as  the  Indians  were  coming  up  to  them,  to  hail  them 
and  urge  them  to  escape.  While  they  were  retreating,  four  Indians  fired 
upon  them,  but,  at  the  moment  of  the  discharge,  John  struck  the  guns 
of  two,  and  his  brother  William  was  by  this  means  enabled  to  escape. 
John  was  severely  beaten  for  this.  When  the  Indians  returned  to  St 
Francis,  the  captives  were  compelled  to  “run  the  gauntlet.”  One  of 
them  was  severely  beaten ; but  Stark  snatched  a hatchet  from  the  nearest 
Indian,  and  attacked  with  great  fury  all  who  attempted  to  strike  him. 
This  pleased  the  old  men  of  the  tribe,  and  won  Stark  much  favor.  He 
appears  to  have  caught  the  humor  of  the  Indians,  and  to  have  known 
how  to  approach  them  on  the  side  of  their  prejudices.  On  one  occasion,  • 
he  was  ordered  by  them  to  hoe  their  corn.  Well  aware  that  they  regarded 
labor  of  this  kind  as  fit  only  fbr  squaws  and  slaves,  he  took  care  to  cut 
up  the  corn  and  spare  the  weeds,  in  order  to  give  them  a suitable  idea 
of  his  want  of  skill  in  unmanly  labor.  As  this  experiment  upon  their 
wood  nature  did  not  answer  its  desired  object,  he  threw  his  hoe  into  the 
river,  declaring  “ it  was  the  business  not  of  whrriors,  but  of  squaws  to 
hoe  com.”  This  spirited  deportment  gained  him  the  title  of  “young 
chief,”  and  the  honor  of  adoption  into  the  tribe. — See  Everett's  Life  of 
Stark. 


STARK  IN  BATTLE. 


85 


ice  and  now  an  snowT-shoes,  they,  on  the  third  day, 
crossed  to  Lake  Champlain,  and  seeing  some  sleds 
approach,  hastened  toward  and  captured  some  of 
them.  From  the  prisoners  they  learned  there  was  a 
large  force  at  Ticonderoga.  Knowing  that  those  who 
escaped  would  convey  intelligence  which  would  speed- 
ily bring  out  an  overwhelming  company  in  pursuit  of 
him,  Rogers  directed  an  immediate  return  to  Fort 
William  Henry.  On  their  way  back,  tramping  over 
the  snow  in  single  file,  as  the  foremost  men  gained  the 
summit  of  a hill,  they  unexpectedly  found  themselves 
close  upon  two  hundred  of  the  enemy,  who  were  drawn 
up  in  a semicircle  to  receive  them.  The  rangers  re- 
coiled before  the  fire  that  blazed  in  their  very  faces, 
and  crimsoning  the  snow  with  their  blood,  they  reached 
the  rear  under  Stark,  who  was  fifteen  rods  distant  on 
the  sufrimit  of  another  hill.  They  here  formed  their 
line,  and  firmly  stood,  in  snow  four  feet  in  depth,  and 
repelled  every  attack  of  the  enemy  from  two  o’clock 
until  nightfall.  Rogers,  wounded  upon  the  head,  and 
by  a bullet  through  his  wrist,  was  so  disabled  that  the 
entire  command  devolved  on  Stark.  At  sunset,  some 
of  the  men  suggested  that  they  ought  to  make  their 
escape  before  the  piercing  cold  of  the  winter’s  night 
closed  upon  them  ; but  Stark,  standing  himself  where 
the  shot  fell  thickest,  and  knowing  that  their  safety 
depended  on  maintaining  their  ground  till  after  dark, 
threatened  to  shoot  the  first  man  who  should  attempt 
to  fly.  Evening  came,  and  the  French  now  abandoned 
the  combat,  and  withdrew,  leaving  half  their  number 
scattered  upon  the  trampled  and  blood-stained  snow 
of  the  hill-side,  sleeping  that  sleep  that  knows  no 


86  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

waking.  Forty-eight  of  the  rangers  remained  un- 
wounded, and  the  company  now  dragged  themselves 
through  the  woods  and  snow  the  livelong  night, 
reaching  the  shore  of  Lake  George  in  the  morning. 
All  were  now  quite  exhausted  with  their  fatigues,  and 
the  wounded  were  wholly  unable  to  advance  further 
on  foot.  Stark  hereupon  generously  offered  to  travel 
with  two  others  to  Fort  William  Henry,  at  the  opposite 
end  of  the  lake,  and  obtain  sleds  for  conveying  the 
wounded.  He  accordingly  departed,  and  reached  the 
fort  i.n  the  evening.  The  sleds  being  procured,  he 
immediately  set  out  with  them  to  return  to  his  com- 
rades, traveling  all  night  and  arriving  at  their  bivouac 
upon  the  following  morning.  And  finally  he  drew  a 
loaded  sleigh  back  to  the  fort,  reaching  there  in  the 
evening.  He  thus  stood  out  three  days  and  two  nights 
of  severe  and  incessant  toil,  engaged  for  nearly  four 
hours  in  a hot  combat,  and  the  remainder  of  the  time 
in  traveling  over  snow  and  ice.  Such  was  the  future 
hero  of  Bennington. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  year  1757,  a council 
was  held  at  Boston,  composed  of  Lord  Loudon  and 
the  colonial  governors.  At  this  council,  his  lordship 
proposed  that  Hew  England  should  raise  four  thousand 
troops  for  the  coming  campaign,  and  that  Hew  York 
and  Hew  Jersey  should  supply  a proportionate  number. 
These  requisitions  were  complied  with,  and  in  the 
spring  he  found  himself  at  the  head  of  a very  consid- 
erable army.  Admiral  Holborn  arrived  at  Halifax  in 
July,  with  a powerful  squadron,  and  a reinforcement  of 
five  thousand  men  under  the  command  of  Lord  Howe. 
Lord  Loudon  sailed  from  Hew  York  with  six  thousand 


CAMPAIGN  OF  1757. 


87 


regulars  to  join  these  troops  at  the  place  of  their  ar- 
rival. Instead  of  the  complex  operations  undertaken 
in  previous  campaigns,  he  limited  his  plan  to  a single 
object.  Leaving  the  posts  on  Lake  Champlain  strongly 
garrisoned,  he  resolved  to  direct  his  whole  disposable 
force  against  Louisbourg ; Halifax  having  been  deter- 
mined on  as  the  place  of  rendezvous  for  the  fleet  and 
army  destined  for  the  expedition.  Information  was 
soon  received,  however,  that  a French  fleet  had  lately 
sailed  from  Brest ; that  Louisbourg  was  garrisoned  by 
six  thousand  regulars  exclusive  of  provincials ; and 
that  it  was  also  defended  by  seventeen  line-of-battle 
ships  which  were  moored  in  the  harbor.  There  being 
no  hope  of  success  against  so  formidable  a force,  the 
enterprise  was  deferred  until  the  next  year ; Loudon 
proceeded  to  Hew  York,  and  the  colonial  troops  were 
dismissed. 

The  Marquis  de  Montcalm,  availing  himself  of  the 
absence  of  the  principal  part  of  the  English  force, 
advanced  with  an  army  of  nine  thousand  men,  and 
laid  siege  to  Fort  William  Henry.  Montcalm  had 
won  a distinguished  reputation  on  the  continent  of 
Europe,  and  had  met  with  extraordinary  success  in 
America.  The  conquest  of  Oswego  had  raised  his 
fame  among  the  Indians,  and  given  him  the  command 
of  almost  all  their  tribes  and  commerce.  He  pursued 
the  advantages  he  had  gained,  with  much  discretion. 
The  garrison  at  Fort  William  Henry  consisted,  of  be- 
tween three  and  four  thousand  regulars  under  the 
command  of  Colonel  Monroe,  and  its  fortifications 
were  strong  and  in  good  order ; and  for  the  additional 
security  of  this  important  post,  General  Webb  was 


88  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

stationed  at  Fort  Edward  with  an  army  of  four  thou- 
sand men.  The  French  commander,  however,  urged 
his  approaches  with  such  vigor,  that,  within  six  days 
after  the  investment  of  the  fort,  Colonel  Monroe,  the' 
commandant,  having  in  vain  solicited  succor  from  Gen- 
eral Webb,  found  it  necessary  to  surrender  by  capitula- 
tion. The  garrison  was  to  be  allowed  the  honors  of 
war,  and  to  be  protected  against  the  Indians  until 
within  the  reach  of  Fort  Edward  ; but  the  next  morn- 
ing,  a great  number  of  Indians,  having  been  permitted 
to  enter  the  lines,  began  to  plunder  ; and  meeting  with 
no  opposition,  they  fell  upon  the  sick  and  wounded, 
whom  they  immediately  massacred.  Their  appetite 
for  carnage  being  excited,  the  defenseless  troops  were 
attacked  with  fiend-like  fury.  Monroe  in  vain  im- 
plored Montcalm  to  provide  the  stipulated  guard,  and 
the  massacre  proceeded.  All  was  turbulence  and 
horror.  On  every  side  savages  were  butchering  and 
scalping  their  wretched  victims.  Their  hideous  yells, 
the  groans  of  the  dying,  and  the  frantic  shrieks  of 
others  shrinking  from  the  uplifted  tomahawk,  were 
heard  by  the  French  unmoved.  The  fury  of  the  sav- 
ages was  permitted  to  rage  without  restraint  until 
fifteen  hundred  were  killed,  or  hurried  captives  into 
the  wilderness.  The  day  after  this  awful  tragedy, 
Major  Putnam*  was  sent  with  his  rangers  to  watch 

* Israel  Putnam  was  born  at  Salem,  Massachusetts,  January  7th,  1718. 
Courage,  enterprise,  activity  and  perseverance  were  his  prominent  char- 
acteristics. He  was  also  distinguished  for  a faithful  discharge  of  all  the 
duties  of  his  station,  and  for  the  most  undeviating  principles  of  honor, 
humanity  and  benevolence.  In  1739,  he  removed  to  Pomfret,  Connect- 
leut,  wheWhe  applied  himself  to  agricultural  pursuits  until  the  opening 


MASSACRE  AT  FORT  WILLIAM  HFNRT. 


89 


the  motions  of  the  enemy.  When  he  came  to  the 
shore  of  the  lake,  their  rear  was  hardly  beyond  the 
reach  of  musket  shot.  The  prospect  was  horrible  in 
the  extreme ; the  fort  demolished ; the  barracks  and 
buildings  yet  burning ; innumerable  fragments  of  hu- 
man carcasses  still  broiling  in  the  decaying  fires  ; and 
dead  bodies,  mangled  with  tomahawks  and  scalping- 
knives,  in  all  the  wantonness  of  Indian  barbarity, 
were  everywhere  scattered  around.  Who  can  forbear 
exclaiming  with  the  poet, 

“ Man  is  to  man  the  surest,  sorest  ill ! ” 

Thus  ended  the  third  campaign  in  America ; happily 
forming  the  last  of  a series  of  disasters  resulting  from 
folly  and  mismanagement,  rather  than  from  want  of 
means  and  military  strength.  The  successes  of  the 
French  left  the  colonies  in  a gloomy  state.  By  the  ac- 
quisition of  Fort  William  Henry,  they  had  obtained  full 
possession  of  the  Lakes  Champlain  and  George ; and 
by  the  destruction  of  Oswego,  they  had  acquired  the 
dominion  over  those  other  lakes  which  connect  the  St. 
Lawrence  with  the  waters  of  the  Mississippi.  The  first 
afforded  the  easiest  admission  from  the  northern  colo- 
nies into  Canada,  or  from  Canada  into  those  colonies ; 
the  last  united  Canada  to  Louisiana.  By  the  continued 
possession  of  Fort  Du  Quesne,  they  preserved  their 
ascendancy  over  the  Indians,  and  held  undisturbed 

of  the  war  with  the  French  in  1755,  when  he  was  appointed  to  the  com- 
mand of  a company  of  rangers.  His  hardy  and  adventurous  disposition 
always  led  him  to  the  post  of  the  greatest  fatigue  and  danger,  and  hp 
often  came  near  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  or  being  slain  in 
his  frequent  skirmishes  with  them.  His  services  during  the  campaign 
of  1756,  had  been  rewarded,  by  promotion  to  the  rank  of  major 


90  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

control  of  the  country  west  of  the  Alleghany  moun- 
tains. The  British  nation  was  alarmed  and  indignant, 
and  the  king  found  it  necessary  to  change  his  councils. 
At  the  head  of  the  new  ministry,  he  placed  the  cele- 
brated William  Pitt,  afterward  earl  of  Chatham,  who 
was  raised  by  his  talents  from  the  humble  post  of 
ensign  in  the  guards,  to  the  control  of  the  destinies  of 
a mighty  empire ; under  his  administration  public  con- 
fidence revived,  and  the  nation  seemed  inspired  with 
new  life  and  vigor.  He  was  equally  popular  in  both 
hemispheres ; and  so  promptly  did  the  governors  of 
the  northern  colonies  obey  the  requisitions  of  his  cir- 
cular letter  of  1757,  that  by  May,  in  the  following  year, 
Massachusetts  had  seven  thousand,  Connecticut  five 
thousand,  and  Hew  Hampshire  three  thousand  troops, 
prepared  to  take  the  field.  The  zeal  of  Massachusetts 
was  particularly  ardent.  The  people  of  Boston  en- 
dured taxes  which  took  away  two-thirds  of  the  income 
on  real  estate  ; one-half  of  the  effective  men  in  the 
province  were  on  some  sort  of  military  duty ; and  the 
transports  for  carrying  the  troops  to  Halifax  were 
ready  to  sail  in  fourteen  days  from  the  time  of  their 
engagement.  The  mother  country  was  not  less  active. 
While  her  fleets  blockaded  or  captured  the  French 
armaments,  she  dispatched  Admiral  Boscawen  to 
Halifax  with  a formidable  squadron  of  ships,  and  an 
army  of  twelve  thousand  men.  Lord  Loudon  was 
replaced  by  General  Abercrombie,  who,  early  in  the 
spring  of  1758,  was  ready  to  enter  upon  the  campaign 
at  the  head  of  fifty  thousand  men,  the  most  powerful 
army  ever  yet  seen  in  America. 

In  the  winter  of  1757,  when  Colonel  Haviland  wa* 


PUTNAM  CONQUERING  FIRE. 


91 


commandant  at  Fort  Edward,  the  barracks  adjoining 
the  north-west  bastion,  took  fire.  They  stood  but  twelve 
feet  from  the  magazine,  which  contained  three  hundred 
barrels  of  powder.  On  its  first  discovery,  the  fire  raged 
with  great  violence.  The  commandant  endeavored  in 
vain,  by  discharging  some  pieces  of  heavy  artillery 
against  the  supporters  of  this  range  of  barracks,  to 
level  them  with  the  ground.  Putnam  arrived  from  an 
island  where  he  was  stationed,  at  the  moment  when 
the  blaze  approached  that  end  which  was  contiguous 
to  the  magazine.  With  the  promptness,  energy  and 
daring  that  always  characterized  him,  Putnam  at  once 
made  a vigorous  attempt  to  extinguish  the  conflagra- 
tion. A way  was  opened  by  the  postern  gate  to  the 
river,  and  the  soldiers  were  employed  in  bringing 
water,  which  he,  having  mounted  on  a ladder  to  the 
eaves  of  the  building,  received  and  threw  upon  the 
flame.  It  continued,  notwithstanding  their  utmost 
efforts,  to  gain  upon  them.  He  stood,  enveloped  in 
smoke,  so  near  the  sheet  of  fire,  that  a pair  of  blanket 
mittens  was  burnt  entirely  from  his  hands.  He  was 
supplied  with  another  pair  dipped  in  water.  Colonel 
Haviland,  fearing  that  he  would  perish  in  the  flames, 
called  to  him  to  come  down  ; but  he  entreated  that  he 
might  be  suffered  to  remain,  since  destruction  must 
inevitably  ensue  if  their  exertions  should  be  remitted. 
The  gallant  commandant,  not  less  astonished  than 
charmed  at  the  boldness  of  his  conduct,  forbade  any 
more  effects  to  be  carried  out  of  the  fort,  animated  the 
men  to  redoubled  diligence,  and  exclaimed,  “If  we 
must  be  blown  up,  we  wil-l  all  go  together.”  At  last, 
when  the  barracks  were  seen  to  be  tumbling,  Putnam 


92  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

descended,  placed  himself  at  the  magazine,  and  contin 
ued,  from  an  incessant  rotation  of  replenished  buckets,  to 
pour  water  upon  its  blazing  walls.  The  outside  planks 
were  already  consumed  by  the  proximity  of  the  fire,  and 
as  only  one  thickness  of  timber  intervened,  the  trepi 
dation  now  became  general  and  extreme.  Putnam, 
still  undaunted,  covered  with  a cloud  of  cinders,  and 
scorched  with  the  intensity  of  the  heat,  maintained  his 
position  until  the  fire  subsided,  and  the  danger  was 
over.  He  had  contended  for  one  hour  and  a half  with 
that  terrible  element.  His  legs,  his  thighs,  his  arms, 
and  his  face  were  blistered ; and  when  he  pulled  off 
his  second  pair  of  mittens,  the  skin  from  his  hands 
and  fingers  followed  them.  It  was  a month  before  he 
recovered.  The  commandant,  to  whom  his  merits  had 
before  endeared  him,  could  not  stifle  the  emotions  of 
gratitude  due  to  the  man  who  had  been  instrumental 
in  preserving  the  magazine,  the  fort,  and  the  garrison. 

Three  points  of  attack  were  involved  in  the  cam- 
paign of  1758 : Louisbourg,  Ticonderoga,  and  Du 
Quesne.  General  Amherst  conducted  the  enterprise 
against  Louisbourg  with  an  army  of  fourteen  thousand 
men.  Preparations  had  been  made  on  such  an  ex- 
tensive scale,  that  the  commander  at  Louisbourg  soon 
saw  that  all  resistance  would  be  in  vain,  and  he 
accepted  terms  of  capitulation.  The  command  of  the 
St.  Lawrence  was  by  this  surrender  placed  in  the 
hands  of  the  English.  The  expedition  against  Fort 
Du  Quesne  was  equally  successful ; the  garrison  es- 
caping down  the  Ohio,  tlje  evening  before  the  arrival 
of  the  British  army. 

The  army  destined  to  execute  the  plans  against 


STORMING  OF  TICONDEROGA. 


93 


Ticonderoga,  was  commanded  by  General  Abercrom- 
bie, and  consisted  of  more  than  fifteen  thousand  men, 
attended  by  a formidable  train  of  artillery.  Early 
in  July,  the  general  embarked  his  troops  on  Lake 
George,  and  commenced  operations  against  Ticonde- 
roga. After  debarkation  at  the  landing-place,  in  a 
cove  on  the  west  side  of  the  lake,  the  troops  were 
formed  into  four  columns,  the  British  in  the  center, 
and  the  provincials  on  the  flanks.  In  this  order  they 
marched  toward  the  advanced  guard  of  the  French, 
which,  consisting  of  one  battalion  only,  posted  in  a 
logged  camp  — destroyed  what  was  in  their  power,  and 
made  a precipitate  retreat.  While  Abercrombie  was 
continuing  his  march  in  the  woods  toward  Ticonde- 
roga, the  columns  were  thrown  into  confusion,  and 
in  some  degree  entangled  with  each  other.  At  this 
juncture,  Lord  Howe,  at  the  head  of  the  right  cen- 
ter column,  fell  in  with  a part  of  the  advanced  guard 
of  the  enemy,  which  had  been  lost  in  the  wood  in 
retreating  from  Lake  George,  and  immediately  at- 
tacked and  dispersed  it,  killing  a considerable  num- 
ber, and  taking  one  hundred  and  forty-eight  prisoners. 
This  success  was  attended  by  the  loss  of  the  gallant 
nobleman,  who  fell  in  leading  the  attack.  The  English 
army,  without  further  opposition,  took  possession  of 
a post  within  two  miles  of  Ticonderoga.  Abercrom- 
bie, having  learned  from  the  prisoners  the  strength 
of  the  enemy  at  that  fortress,  and,  from  an  engineer, 
the  condition  of  their  works,  resolved  on  an  imme- 
diate storm,  and  made  instant  disposition  for  an  as- 
sault. The  troops  having  received  orders  to  march 
up  briskly,  rush  upon  the  enemy’s  fire,  and  reserve 


94  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

their  own  till  they  had  passed  a breastwork,  marched 
to  the  assault  with  great  intrepidity.  Unlooked-for 
impediments,  however,  occurred.  In  * front  of*  the 
breastwork,  to  a considerable  distance,  trees  had  been 
felled  with  their  branches  outward,  many  of  which 
were  sharpened  to  a point,  by  means  of  which  the 
assailants  were  not  only  retarded  in  their  advance, 
but,  becoming  entangled  among  the  boughs,  were  ex- 
posed to  a very  galling  fire.  Finding  it  impracti- 
cable to  pass  the  breastwork,  which  was  eight  or  nine 
feet  high,  and  much  stronger  than  had  been  repre- 
sented, General  Abercrombie,  after  a contest  of  near 
four  hours,  ordered  a retreat,  and  the  next  day  re- 
sumed his  former  camp  on  the  south  side  of  Lake 
George.  In  this  brave  but  ill-judged  assault,  nearly 
two  thousand  of  the  assailants  were  killed  and 
wounded,  while  the  loss  of  the  enemy,  who  were 
covered  during  the  whole  action,  was  inconsiderable. 
General  Abercrombie  immediately  recrossed  Lake 
George,  and  entirely  abandoned  the  project  of  cap- 
turing Ticonderoga. 

In  the  month  of  August,  five  hundred  men  were 
employed,  under  the  orders  of  Majors  Rogers  and 
Putnam,  to  watch  the  motions  of  the  enemy  near 
Ticonderoga.  At  South  Bay  they  separated  the  party 
into  two  equal  divisions,  and  Rogers  took  a position 
on  "Wood  creek,  twelve  miles  distant  from  Putnam. 
Upon  being,  some  time  afterward,  discovered,  they 
formed  a reunion,  and  concerted  measures  for  return- 
ing to  Fort  Edward.  Their  march  through  the  woods 
was  in  three  divisions,  by  files  : the  right  commanded 
by  Rogers,  the  left  by  Putnam,  and  the  center  by 


CAPTURE  OF  PUTNAM. 


95 


Captain  D5  Eli.  At  the  moment  of  moving,  the 
famous  French  partisan,  Molang,  who  had  been  sent 
with  five  hundred  men  to  intercept  their  party,  was 
not  more  than  one  mile  and  a half  distant  from  them. 
Major  Putnam  was  just  emerging  from  the  thicket, 
into  the  common  forest,  when  the  enemy  rose,  and, 
with  discordant  yells  and  whoops,  commenced  an 
attack  upon  the  right  of  his  division.  Surprised, 
but  undismayed,  Putnam  halted,  returned  the  fire, 
and  passed  the  word  for  the  other  divisions  to  ad- 
vance to  his  support.  D’Ell  came.  The  action 
though  widely  scattered,  and  principally  fought  be- 
tween man  and  man,  soon  grew  general,  and  intensely 
warm. 

Major  Putnam,  perceiving  it  would  be  impracticable 
to  cross  the  creek  in  his  rear,  determined  to  maintain 
his  ground.  Inspired  by  his  example,  the  officers -and 
men  behaved  with  great  bravery ; sometimes  they 
fought  collectively  in  open  view,  and  sometimes  in- 
dividually under  cover : taking  aim  from  behind  the 
bodies  of  trees,  and  acting  in  a manner  independent 
of  each  other.  For  himself,  having  discharged  his 
fusee  several  times,  at  length  . it  missed  fire,  while 
the  muzzle  was  pressed  against  the  breast  of  a large 
and  well-proportioned  savage.  This  warrior,  availing 
himself  of  the  indefensible  attitude  of  his  adversary, 
with  a tremendous  war-whoop,  sprang  forward  with 
his  lifted  hatchet,  and  compelled  him  to  surrender; 
and,  having  disarmed  and  bound  him  fast  to  a tree, 
returned  to  the  battle. 

The  intrepid  Captains,  D’Ell  and  Harman,  who 
now  commanded,  were  forced  to  give  ground,  for  a 


1K>  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

little  distance ; the  savages,  conceiving  this  to  be  the 
certain  harbinger  of  victory,  rushed  impetuously  on, 
with  dreadful  and  redoubled  cries.  But  the  two 
partisans,  collecting  a handful  of  brave  men,  gave 
the  pursuers  so  warm  a reception,  as  to  oblige  them, 
in  turn,  to  retreat  a little  beyond  the  spot  at  which 
the  action  had  commenced.  Here  they  made  a stand. 
This  change  of  ground  placed  the  tree  to  which 
Putnam  was  tied,  directly  between  the  hottest  fire  of 
the  two  parties.  Human  imagination  can  hardly 
figure  to  itself  a more  deplorable  situation.  The  balls 
flew  incessantly  from  either  side  ; many  struck  the  tree, 
while  some  passed  through  the  sleeves  and  skirts  of 
his  coat.  In  this  state  of  jeopardy,  unable  to  move 
his  body,  to  stir  his  limbs,  or  even  to  incline  his 
head,  he  remained  more  than  an  hour — so  equally 
balanced,  and  so  obstinate  wras  the  fight!  At  one 
moment,  while  the  battle  swerved  in  favor  of  the 
enemy,  a young  savage  chose  an  odd  way  of  dis- 
playing his  humor.  He  found  Putnam  bound  — he 
might  have  dispatched  him  at  a single  blow — but  he 
loved  better  to  excite  the  terrors  of  the  prisoner,  by 
hurling  a tomahawk  at  his  head ; or  rather,  it  would 
seem,  his  object  was  to  see  how  near  he  could  throw 
it  without  touching  him.  The  weapon  6tuck  in  the 
tree  a number  of  times,  at  a hair’s  breadth  distance 
from  the  mark.  When  the  Indian  had  finished  his 
amusement,  a French  officer,  perceiving  Putnam,  came 
up  to  him,  and,  leveling  a fusee  within  a foot  of  his 
breast,  attempted  to  discharge  it — it  missed  fire.  In- 
effectually did  the  intended  victim  solicit  the  treat- 
ment due  to  his  situation,  by  repeating  that  he  was 


PUTNAM  IN  CAPTIVITY. 


97 


a prisoner  of  war.  The  degenerate  Frenchman,  dead 
to  sensibility,  violently  and  repeatedly  pushed  the 
muzzle  of  the  gun  against  Putnam’s  ribs,  and  finally 
gave  him  a cruel  blow  on  his  jaw  with  the  butt-end 
of  his  piece.  After  this  dastardly  deed  he  left  him. 

At  length,  the  active  intrepidity  of  D’Ell  and  Har- 
man, seconded  by  the  persevering  valor  of  their  fol- 
lowers, prevailed.  They  drove  from  the  field  the 
enemy,  who  left  about  ninety  dead  behind  them.  As 
they  were  retiring,  Putnam  was  untied  by  the  Indian 
who  had  made  him  prisoner,  and  whom  he  afterward 
called  master.  Having  been  conducted  for  some  dis- 
tance from  the  place  of  action,  he  was  stripped  of 
his  coat,  vest,  stockings,  and  shoes ; loaded  with  as 
many  packs  of  the  wounded  as  could  be  piled  upon 
him ; strongly  pinioned,  and  his  wrists  tied  as  closely 
together  as  they  could  be  pulled  with  a cord.  After 
he  had  marched  through  no  pleasant  paths,  in  this 
painful  manner,  for  many  a tedious  mile,  the  party 
(who  were  excessively  fatigued)  halted  to  breathe. 
His  hands  were  now  immoderately  swelled  from  the 
tightness  of  the  ligature,  and  the  pain  had  become 
intolerable.  His  feet  were  so  much  scratched  that 
the  blood  dropped  fast  from  them.  Exhausted  with 
bearing  a burden  above  his  strength,  and  frantic 
with  torments  exquisite  beyond  endurance,  he  en- 
treated the  Irish  interpreter  to  implore,  as  the  last 
and  only  grace  he  desired  of  the  savages,  that  they 
would  knock  him  on  the  head  at  once,  or  loose  his 
hands.  A French  officer,  instantly  interposing,  or- 
dered his  hands  to  be  unbound,  and  some  of  the 
packs  to  be  taken  off.  By  this  time,  the  Indian  who 


98  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN -MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

captured  him;  and  who  had  been  absent  with  the 
wounded,  coming  up,  gave  him  a pair  of  moccasins, 
and  expressed  great  indignation  at  the  unworthy  treat- 
ment his  prisoner  had  suffered. 

That  savage  chief  again  returned  to  the  care  of 
the  wounded,  and  the  Indians,  about  two  hundred 
in  number,  went  before  the  rest  of  the  party  to  the 
place  where  the  whole  were  that  night  to  encamp. 
They  took  with  them  Major  Putnam,  on  whom,  be- 
sides innumerable  other  outrages,  they  had  the  bar- 
barity to  inflict  a deep  wound  wflth  a tomahawk  in 
the  left  cheek.  His  sufferings  were,  in  this  place,  to 
be  consummated.  A scene  of  horror,  infinitely  greater 
than  had  ever  met  his  eyes  before,  was  now  preparing. 
It  was  determined  to  roast  him  alive.  For  this  pur- 
pose they  led  him  into  a dark  forest,  stripped  him 
naked,  bound  him  to  a tree,  and  piled  dry  brush, 
with  other  fuel,  at  a small  distance  in  a circle  around 
him.  They  accompanied  their  labors,  as  if  for  his 
funeral  dirge,  with  screams  and  sounds  inimitable 
but  by  savage  voices.  They  then  set  the  piles  on 
fire.  A sudden  shower  damped  the  rising  flame. 
Still  they  strove  to  kindle  it,  until,  at  last,  the  blaze 
ran  fiercely  round  the  circle.  Major  Putnam  soon 
began  to  feel  the  scorching  heat. 

His  hands  were  so  tied  that  he  could  move  his 
body.  He  often  shifted  sides  as  the  fire  approached. 
This  sight,  at  the  very  idea  of  which  all  but  savages 
must  shudder,  afforded  the  highest  diversion  to  his 
inhuman  tormentors,  who  demonstrated  the  delirium 
of  their  joy  by  corresponding  yells,  dances,  and  ges 
ticulations.  He  doubted  not  that  his  final  hour  was 


rUTNAM  IN  CAPTIVITY.  99 

inevitably  come.  He  summoned  all  his  resolution, 
and  composed  his  mind  as  far  as  circumstances  could 
admit,  to  bid  an  eternal  farewell  to  all  he  held  most 
dear.  To  quit  the  world  would  scarcely  have  cost 
him  a single  pang,  but  for  the  idea  of  home,  but  for 
the  remembrance  of  domestic  endearments,  of  the 
atfectionate  partner  of  his  soul,  and  of  their  beloved 
offspring.  His  thoughts  were  ultimately  fixed  on  a 
happier  6tate  of  existence,  beyond  the  tortures  he 
wTas  beginning  to  endure.  The  bitterness  of  death, 
even  of  that  death  which  is  accompanied  with  the 
keenest  agonies,  was  in  a manner  past — nature,  with 
a feeble  struggle,  wras  quitting  its  last  hold  on  sub- 
lunary things,  when  a French  officer  rushed  through 
the  crowd,  opened  a way  by  scattering  the  burning 
brands,  and  unbound  the  victim.  It  was  Molang 
himself,  to  whom  a savage,  unwilling  to  see  another 
human  sacrifice  immolated,  had  run  and  communi- 
cated the  tidings.  That  commandant  spurned  and 
severely  reprimanded  the  barbarians  whose  nocturnal 
powwows  and  hellish  orgies  he  suddenly  ended.  Put- 
nam did  not  want  for  feeling  or  gratitude.  The 
French  commander,  fearing  to  trust  him  alone  with 
them,  remained  until  he  could  deliver  him  in  safety 
into  the  hands  of  his  master. 

The  next  day  he  was  allowed  his  blanket  and  moc- 
casins, and  permitted  to  march  without  carrying  any 
pack,  or  receiving  any  insult.  To  allay  his  extreme 
hunger,  a little  bear’s  meat  was  given  him,  which 
he  sucked  through  his  teeth.  At  night  the  party 
arrived  at  Ticonderoga,  and  the  prisoner  was  placed 
under  the  care  of  a French  guard.  The  savages,  who 


100  ETHAN  ALLEN  ANT)  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES! 


bad  been  prevented  from  glutting  their  diabolical 
thirst  for  blood,  took  another  opportunity  of  manifest 
ing  their  malevolence  for  the  disappointment,  by  hor 
rid  grimaces  and  angry  gestures ; but  they  were  nc 
more  suffered  to  offer  violence  or  personal  indignity 
to  him.  Colonel  Peter  Schuyler  was  then  a prisonet 
among  the  French.  No  sooner  had  he  heard  of  Major 
Putnam’s  arrival,  than  he  went  and  found  him,  in  a 
comfortless  condition,  without  coat,  waistcoat  or  hose ; 
the  remnant  of  his  clothing  miserably  dirty  and  rag- 
ged ; his  beard  long  and  squalid ; his  legs  torn  by 
thorns  and  briers ; and  his  face  gashed  with  wounds 
and  swollen  with  bruises.  Through  Colonel  Schuyler’s 
intervention,  Putnam  was  treated  according  to  his 
rank,  and  clothed  in  a decent  manner.  The  follow- 
ing year  an  opportunity  was  afforded  for  an  exchange 
of  prisoners,  and  Putnam  was  released.* 

* On  his  return  from  Canada,  Putnam  was  accompanied  by  Mrs. 
Howe,  known  as  the  “ fair  captive,”  who  had  been  taken  at  Bridgman’s 
Fort  in  1756.  Her  history  was  very  affecting.  Her  first  husband  was 
William  Phipps,  an  account  of  whose  death,  after  having  slain  two 
of  his  Indian  captors,  near  Fort  Duramer,  has  already  been  related.  Her 
second  husband  was  Mr.  Howe,  who  was  also  slain  at  the  time  of  her 
captivity.  On  the  march  to  Canada,  she  had  endured  extreme  suffering, 
the  poignancy  of  which  was  increased  by  the  cruel  treatment  which  her 
children  received  from  the  Indians.  She  was  taken  to  Crown  Point,  and 
from  thence,  by  the  way  of  Montreal,  to  the  village  of  St.  Francis* 
her  master  having  failed  to  sell  her.  “Our  provisions,”  she  says,  in  he* 
deeply  affecting  narrative,  “ were  so  scanty,  as  well  as  insipid  and  un- 
savory, the  weather  was  so  cold,  and  the  traveling  so  very  bad,  that  it 
almost  seemed  as  if  I must  have  perished  on  the  way.  The  lips  of  my 
poor  child  were  sometimes  so  benumbed,  that,  when  I put  it  to  my  breast, 
it  could  not,  till  it  grew  warm,  imbibe  the  nourishment  requisite  for  its 
support.  While  we  were  at  Montreal,  we  went  into  the  house  of  a certain 
French  gentleman,  whose  lady,  on  being  sent  for,  and  coming  into  the 


THE  FAIR  CAPTIVE. 


101 


The  campaign  of  1758  had  been  highly  honorable 
to  the  British  arms,  and  the  result  of  it  was  very 
important.  Of  the  three  expeditions,  two  had  com- 
pletely succeeded,  and  the  leader  of  the  third  had 

room  where  I was,  to  examine  me,  seeing  I had  an  infant,  exclaimed 

suddenly  in  this  manner : ‘ D it,  I will  not  buy  a woman  that  has  a 

child  to  look  after.’  There  was  a swill-pail  standing  near  me,  in  which 
I observed  several  crusts  and  crumbs  of  bread  swimming  on  the  surface 
of  the  greasy  liquor  it  contained.  Sorely  pinched  with  hunger,  I skim 
med  them  of  with  my  hands  and  ate  them  ; and  this  was  all  the  refresh- 
ment which  the  house  afforded  me.”  Mrs.  Howe’s  children,  being 
claimed  by  different  Indians,  were  separated  from  their  mother  and  from 
each  other.  Even  her  babe  was  snatched  from  her.  “This,”  she  says, 
in  her  narrative,  “was  a severe  trial.  The  babe  clung  to  my  bosom  with 
all  its  might ; but  I was  obliged  to  pluck  it  thence,  and  deliver  it, 
shrieking  and  screaming  enough  to  penetrate  a heart  of  stone,  into  the 
hands  of  those  unfeeling  wretches,  whose  tender  mercies  may  be  termed 
cruel.”  It  was  taken  to  Missisco,  where,  some  weeks  after,  Mrs.  Howe 
was  permitted  to  visit  it  “I  had  preserved  my  milk,”  she  says,  “in 
hopes  of  seeing  my  beloved  child  again.  And  here  I found  it,  it  is  true, 
but  in  a condition  that  afforded  me  no  great  satisfaction — it  being 
greatly  emaciated  and  almost  starved.  I took  it  in  my  arms,  and  put 
its  face  to  mine,  and  it  instantly  bit  me  with  such  violence,  that  it  seemed 
as  if  I must  have  parted  with  a piece  of  my  cheek.  I was  permitted  to 
lodge  with  it  that  and  the  two  following  nights ; but  every  morning  that 
intervened,  the  Indians,  I suppose  on  purpose  to  torment  me,  sent  me 
away  to  another  wigwam,  which  stood  at  a little  distance,  though  not 
so  far  from  the  one  in  which  my  distressed  infant  was  confined,  but  that 
I could  plainly  hear  its  incessant  cries,  and  heart-rending  lamentations.” 
During  her  rambles  with  the  Indians,  she  was  frequently  on  the  point  of 
perishing  with  hunger,  and  as  often  subjected  to  hardships  seemingly 
intolerable.  On  one  occasion  she  was  informed  by  a friendly  Indian, 
that  one  of  her  children  was  in  a wigwam  seven  miles  distant,  and  she 
determined  to  visit  him.  “ While  I was  busy  in  contemplating  this  af- 
fair,” she  says,  “the  Indians  obtained  a little  bread,  of  which  they  gave 
me  a small  share.  I did  not  taste  a morsel  of  it  myself,  but  saved  it  all 
for  my  poor  child,  if  I should  be  so  lucky  as  to  find  him.  At  length, 
having  obtained  leave  of  my  keepers  to  be  absent  for  one  day,  I set  ofl 


102  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 


made  an  important  conquest.  To  the  commanding 
talents  of  Pitt,  and  the'  confidence  which  ■ they  in- 
spired, this  change  of  fortune  must  be  chiefly  attrib 
uted ; and  in  no  respects  were  these  talents  more 
strikingly  displayed  than  in  .the  choice  of  men  to 
execute  his  plans.  The  advantages  of  this  campaign 

early  in  the  morning,  and  beheld,  as  I drew  nigh,  rny  little  sou  without 
the  camp.  He  seemed  to  be  nearly  starved.  I took  him  in  my  arms, 
and  he  spoke  to  me  these  words  in  the  Indian  tongue : * Mother,  are  you 
come  ? ’ I took  him  into  the  wigwam  with  me,  and  observing  a number 
of  Indian  children  in  it,  I distributed  all  the  bread  which  I had  reserved 
for  my  own  child,  among  them  all ; otherwise  I should  have  given  great 
offense.  My  little  boy  appeared  to  be  very  fond  of  his  new  mother,  kept 
as  near  me  as  possible  while  I stayed,  and  when  I told  him  I must  go,  he 
fell  as  though  he  had  *been  knocked  down  with  a club.”  Two  of  Mrs. 
Howe’s  daughters  were  of  marriageable  age,  and  to  add  to  the  number 
of  her  miseries,  the  Indians  selected  a couple  of  their  young  men  to 
marry  them.  The  fright  and  disgust  which  the  intelligence  of  this  in- 
tention occasioned  to  these  poor  young  creatures,  added  infinitely  to  the 
sorrows  and  perplexities  of  their  frantic  mother.  But  she  found  an  op- 
portunity of  conveying  to  the  governor  a petition  that  her  daughters 
might  be  received  into  a convent,  for  the  sake  of  securing  the  salvation 
of  their  souls.  Happily,  this  expedient  succeeded.  After  Mrs.  Howe  had 
been  a year  with  the  Indians,  she  was  purchased  by  an  old  Frenchman, 
in  whose  family  new  trials  awaited  her.  She  was  still  beautiful,  and 
both  her  master  and  his  son,  who  held  a commission  in  the  French  army, 
became  passionately  fond  of  her,  and  she  was  greatly  embarrassed  by  their 
importunities,  from  which  she  saw  no  way  of  escape.  Finally,  she  found 
an  opportunity  of  telling  the  story  of  her  woes  to  Colonel  Peter  Schuy- 
ler, who  was  then  a prisoner  at  Montreal.  He  immediately  endeavored 
to  procure  her  liberty  ; but  the  Frenchman  who  had  purchased  her  from 
the  savages,  unwilling  to  part  with  so  fair  a purchase,  demanded  an  im- 
mense ransom.  Colonel  Schuyler,  however,  obtained  from  the  governor 
an  order  that  she  should  be  given  up  for  the  price  that  had  been  paid  for 
her ; nor  did  his  active  goodness  rest,  until  he  had  restored  every  one  of 
her  five  sons  to  her.  One  of  her  daughters  subsequently  married  a French 
officer,  and  the  other  returned  home.  Such  is  a brief  narrative  of  the 
sufferings  of  one  of  the  early  Vermont  matrons. 


CAMPAIGN  OF  1759. 


10£ 


had,  however,  been  purchased  by  an  expensive  effort, 
and  corresponding  exhaustion  of  provincial  strength ; 
and  when,  by  his  persuasion,  the  colonies  resolved 
upon  making  the  most  vigorous  preparation  for  the 
next,  they  soon  discovered  that  their  resources  were 
by  no  means  commensurate  with  their  zeal. 

Notwithstanding  these  difficulties,  it  was  resolved 
to  signalize  the  year  1759  by  the  complete  conquest 
of  Canada.  The  plan  of  the  campaign  was,  that  three 
powerful  armies  should  enter  the  French  possessions 
by  three  different  routes,  and  attack  all  their  strong- 
holds at  nearly  the  same  time.  At  the  head  of  one 
division,  Brigadier-general  Wolfe,  a young  officer  who 
had  signalized  himself  at  the  siege  of  Louisbourg,  was 
to  ascend  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  to  proceed  against 
Quebec,  escorted  by  a strong  fleet  to  cooperate  with 
his  troops.  The  central  and  main  army,  composed 
of  British  and  provincials,  was  to  be  conducted 
against  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point,  by  General 
Amherst,  the  new  commander-in-chief,  who,  after  mak- 
ing himself  master  of  these  places,  was  to  proceed 
on  Lake  Champlain,  and  by  the  way  of  the  Richelieu 
river  to  the  St.  Lawrence,  and,  descending  that  river, 
form  a junction  with  Wolfe  before  Quebec.  The  third 
army,  to  be  composed  principally  of  colonial  troops, 
reinforced  by  a strong  body  of  friendly  Indians,  was 
to  be  commanded  by  General  Prideaux,  who  was  to 
lead  this  division  first  against  Niagara,  and,  after 
the  reduction  of  that  place,  to  embark  on  Lake  On- 
tario, and  proceed  down  the  St.  Lawrence  against 
Montreal.  The  second  of  these  expeditions  properly 
belongs  to  the  scope  of  this  narrative ; while  the  others 


104  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

can  only  be  described  sufficiently  to  show  their  in 
fluence  upon  the  military  operations  carried  on  by 
way  of  Lake  Champlain. 

Early  in  the  year  1759,  General  Amherst  commenced 
preparations  for  his  part  of  the  enterprise.  But  so 
man}^  difficulties  occurred  to  retard  the  operations  of 
his  army  in  that  unsettled  part  of  the  country,  that 
the  summer  was  already  far  advanced,  before  he  could 
pass  Lake  George  with  his  troops  and  artillery.  Aware 
of  the  danger  of  surprise,  and  not  unmindful  of  the 
disaster  that  the  British  troops  had  sustained  the  year 
before,  this  able  and  judicious  officer  proceeded  with 
the  greatest  circumspection  : leaving  nothing  to  chance, 
but  making  provision  for  every  difficulty  or  opposition 
that  could  be  foreseen.  At  length,  in  the  latter  end  of 
July,  he  arrived  in  the  vicinity  of  Ticonderoga,  with 
his  army  of  regulars  and  provincials  in  excellent  order, 
and  amply  supplied  with  artillery,  military  stores,  and 
provisions.  The  enemy  had  watched  all  his  motions, 
in  the  hope  of  finding  an  opportunity  to  gain  some 
advantage ; but  they  ventured  to  make  no  opposition 
to  his  troops,  either  when  crossing  the  lake,  or  effecting 
their  landing.  Having  passed  the  lake  and  landed  his 
stores,  Amherst  immediately  began  to  make  prepara- 
tions to  reduce  the  fortress  by  a regular  siege.  At  first 
the  enemy  appeared  determined  to  make  a stubborn 
defense.  They  soon  found  that  they  had  an  able 
officer  to  oppose ; that  Amherst  was  cautious,  resolute, 
well  prepared  for  undertaking  the  siege,  and  not  dis- 
posed to  subject  anything  to  unnecessary  risk  or  hazard. 
Despairing  of  making  a successful  defense,  and  having 
orders  to  retreat  from  place  to  place  toward  the  centf" 


TICONDEROGA  ABANDONED  BY  THE  FRENCH.  105 


of  operations  at  Quebec,  rather  than  to  run  the  risk  of 
diminishing  the  French  force  by  surrendering  prisoners 
of  war,  they  set  about  dismantling  the  fortifications ; 
and,  having  done  some  small  injuries  to  the  works, 
abandoned  them  and  retired  to  Crown  Point ; leaving 
their  heavy  artillery,  several  sunken  boats,  and  the 
works  but  little  damaged,  though  on  fire. 

Having  succeeded  in  his  attempts  against  Ticonde- 
roga,  Amherst  began  to  repair  and  enlarge  the  fortifi- 
cations ; and  to  prepare  his  bateaux  and  other  vessels 
for  an  expedition  against  Crown  Point.  Scouting  and 
ranging  parties  were  constantly  employed,  hovering  in 
the  neighborhood  of  that  place,  and  watching  all  the 
motions  of  the  enemy.  One  of  these  parties  brought 
intelligence  that  the  French  had  also  abandoned  Crown 
Point  and  were  gone  down  the  lake  without  destroying 
the  works.  Amherst  detached  a body  of  rangers  to 
take  possession  of  the  place  *>  and  on  the  4th  of  August 
embarked  with  his  army,  landed  the  same  day,  and 
placed  his  troops  within  the  enemy’s  works.  Thus  was 
effected  the  reduction  of  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point. 
No  sooner  was  their  conquest  completed,  than  Amherst 
undertook  the  erection  of  new  works,  strengthened  and 
enlarged  the  old  ones,  and  began  another  fort : deter- 
mined that  the  enemy  should  never  again  obtain  pos- 
session of  a post  which  had  been  so  dangerous  and 
distressing  to  the  British  provinces.  The  French  troops 
retired  to  the  Isle  Aux  Noix  at  the  north  end  of  Lake 
Champlain. 

Crown  Point  had  been  in  the  possession  of  the 
French  for  thirty  years,  and  from  the  time  of  its  erec- 
tion had  afforded  facilities  for  predatory  excursions  into 

5* 


106  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

the  English  colonies  ; and  many  were  the  prisoners  who 
had  there  suffered  all  the  barbarities  that  savage  inge- 
nuity could  devise.  Its  conquest  insured  safety  to  the 
frontiers  of  New  England  from  incursions  by  way  of 
Lake  Champlain ; but  another  channel,  through  which 
the  settlements  on  the  Connecticut  had  been  harassed, 
remained  still  open.  This  was  the  Indian  village  of  St. 
Francis,  situated  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  of  that 
name.  This  place  the  Indians  had  enriched  with  the 
pillage  of  the  New-England  settlements,  and  they  had 
garnished  it  with  the  scalps  of  many  hundreds  of  their 
victims.  Passing  up  the  St.  Francis  river  to  Lake 
Memphremagog,  and  from  thence  to  the  Connecticut, 
these  Indians  had  been  enabled  to  make  sudden  and 
successful  incursions  into  the  colonies  of  New  Hamp- 
shire and  Massachusetts,  and  to  return  to  their  homes 
in  safety.  Amherst  resolved  to  attempt  the  destruc- 
tion of  this  village.  Major  Rogers,  of  the  New-Hamp- 
shire  rangers,  was  selected  for  this  arduous  duty.  Two 
hundred  of  the  most  hardy  and  resolute  men  in  the 
army  were  placed  under  his  command.  The  massacre 
at  Fort  William  Henry,  and  the  numberless  other 
atrocities  which  their  kindred  and  friends  had  suffered 
from  these  Indians,  were  fresh  in  the  minds  of  all ; and 
they  exulted  in  the  expectation  that  the  time  for  retri- 
bution had  now  come.  The  orders  which  they  received 
from  Amherst  were  little  calculated  to  restrain  their 
ferocity.  u Eemember,”  said  he,  “ the  barbarities  that 
have  been  committed  by  the  enemy’s  Indian  scoundrels 
on  every  occasion,  where  they  had  an  opportunity  of 
showing  their  infamous  cruelties  on  the  king’s  subjects, 
which  they  have  done  without  mercy.  Take  your 


DESTRUCTION  OF  AN  INDIAN  VILLAGE.  107 

evenge,  but  forget  not  that  though  these  villains  have 
dastardly  and  promiscuously  murdered  the  women  and 
children  of  all  ages,  it  is  my  orders  that  no  women  or 
children  are  killed  or  hurt.”  The  only  practical  route 
to  the  Indian  village  was  by  way  of  Missisco  bay,  near 
where  the  French  were  encamped.  The  utmost  circum- 
spection being  necessary  to  avoid  a discovery  of  the 
enemy,  Rogers  was  seven  days  in  reaching  the  bay. 
Concealing  his  boats  he  pushed  forward  through  the 
woods,  to  the  village  of  St.  Francis.  On  the  2d  of 
October,  after  having  forded  many  streams  and  passed 
through  many  swamps,  with  incredible  labor,  Rogers 
reached  the  St.  Francis  river,  and  succeeded  in  fording 
it,  although  it  was  five  feet  in  depth  with  a strong  cur- 
rent. October  4th,  in  the  evening,  they  came  in  sight 
of  the  Indian  village.  Disguised  as  Indians,  Rogers, 
with  two  other  officers,  went  forward  to  reconnoitre 
the  place.  They  discovered  that  the  Indians  were 
wholly  unsuspicious  of  danger,  engaged  in  a dancing 
frolic.  Their  revelry  was  continued  till  four  o’clock  in 
the  morning,  when  they  retired  to  their  huts,  and  all 
became  still.  The  troops,  relieved  of  their  packs,  had 
refreshed  themselves,  and  were  now  led  up ; and,  half 
an  hour  before  sunrise,  in  three  divisons,  made  a sim- 
ultaneous attack  on  three  sides  of  the  village.  So 
completely  were  the  savages  surprised  and  confounded, 
that  they  made  but  little  resistance,  and  an  indiscrimi- 
nate massacre  in  true  Indian  style  now  took  place.  The 
cabins  were  forcibly  entered,  and  their  inmates  knocked 
down,  or  shot  dead  in  their  attempts  to  fly,  few  escaping. 
In  the  obscure  light,  and  confusion  of  the  onset,  it  was 
impossible  to  distinguish  age  or  sex.  As  the  sun  arose, 


108  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

it  revealed  to  their  view  a scene  so  horrid  that  the  men 
might  have  relented,  but  for  the  sight  of  the  scalps  of 
their  murdered  countrymen,  six  or  seven  hundred  of 
which,  suspended  on  poles,  were  waving  in  the  air  in 
all  parts  of  the  village.  This  steeled  their  hearts  to 
all  emotions  of  compassion,  and  they  continued  to 
dispatch  all  alike ; and  about  seven  o’clock  the  work 
was  terminated  by  a general  conflagration  of  the  vil- 
lage. Of  its  three  hundred  inhabitants,  two  hundred 
were  slain.  Twenty  women  and  children  were  taken 
prisoners,  but  most  of  them  were  soon  after  liberated. 
Five  English  captives  were  found  in  the  place,  and  were 
set  free.  Two  hundred  guineas  in  coin  were  found, 
and  a silver  image  weighing  ten  pounds,  together 
with  a large  quantity  of  clothing  and  some  provisions. 
Collecting  the  provisions,  and  such  articles  as  they 
could  easily  transport,  they  set  fire  to  the  town,  and 
reduced  it  to  ashes.  At  seven  o’clock  in  the  morning, 
the  affair  was  completely  over ; Rogers  then  assembled 
his  men,  and  found  that  one  was  killed,  and  six  slightly 
wounded.  Having  refreshed  his  men  for  one  hour, 
the  major  made  no  further  delay,  but  set  out  on  his 
return.  To  avoid  his  pursuers,  Rogers  now  took  a 
different  route,  and  marched  up  St.  Francis  river: 
meaning  to  have  his  men  collect,  and  rendezvous  at 
Coos  on  the  Connecticut.  On  their  march,  they  were 
harassed  by  some  of  the  enemy,  and  several  times  at- 
tacked in  the  rear.  In  these  encounters  they  lost  seven 
of  their  men.  At  length,  Rogers,  favored  by  the  dusk 
of  evening,  formed  an  ambuscade,  and  fell  upon  the 
enemy  where  they  least  expected  it;  by  this  stroke, 
he  put  an  end  to  any  further  annoyance  from  them. 


GENERAL  WOLFJ.  109 

Foi  about  ten  days  the  detachment  kept  together  till 
they  had  passed  the  eastern  side  of  Lake  Memphre- 
magog. . It  was  then  thought  best  to  scatter  into 
smaller  parties,  and  make  the  best  of  their  way  to 
some  of  the  English  settlements.  Their  sufferings 
now  began  to  be  severe,  not  only  from  the  excessive 
fatigues  they  had  undergone,  but  from  hunger.  Their- 
provisions  were  expended, *and  they  were  yet  at  a dis- 
tance from  any  place  of  relief.  Some  were  lo3t  in  the 
woods,  and  others  perished  at  Coos,  being  unable  to 
hold  out  any  further.  But  Rogers,  with  most  of  his 
men,  persevered  amidst  all  their  sufferings,  till  they 
arrived  at  Number  Four.  This  enterprise  had  been 
dangerous  and  fatiguing  to  the  men  who  had  been 
engaged  in  it ; but  it  made  a deep  impression  on  the 
enemy.  It  carried  alarm  and  consternation  into  the 
heart  of  Canada,  and  convinced  the  Indians  that  the 
hand  of  vengeance  was  now  come  upon  them. 

During  the  operations  of  Amherst  at  Lake  Champlain, 
General  Wolfe  prosecuted  his  daring  and  important  ex- 
pedition against  the  capital  of  Canada.  Strong  natu- 
rally, and  still  stronger  by  art,  Quebec  had  obtained 
the  appellation  of  Gibraltar  of  America ; and  every 
attempt  against  it  had  failed.  It  was  now  commanded 
by  Montcalm,  an  officer  of  distinguished  reputation  ; 
and  its  capture  must  have  appeared  chimerical  to  any 
one  but  Pitt.  He  judged  rightly,  however,  that  the 
ooldest  and  most  dangerous  enterprises  are  often  the 
most  successful,  especially  when  committed  to  ardent 
minds,  glowing  with  enthusiasm  and  emulous  of  glory. 
Such  a mind  he  had  found  in  Wolfe,  whose  conduct 
had  attracted  his  attention.  In  June,  1759,  Wolfe 


110  ETHAN  ALLEN  ^ND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

landed  with  eight  thousand  troops  a few  miles  below 
Quebec.  From  this  position,  he  could  take  a near 
and  distinct  view  of  the  obstacles  to  be  overcome. 
These  were  so  great,  that  even  the  bold  and  sanguine 
Wolfe  perceived  more  to  fear  than  to  hope.  But  he 
resolved  to  do  his  best.  He  declared  he  would  rather 
die  than  to  fail  in  the  enterprise.  Various  attempts 
were  made  against  the  Freneh,  but  besides  his  superior 
position,  Montcalm’s  forces  were  much  more  numerous 
than  those  of  Wolfe,  and  the  latter  was  several  times 
repulsed  with  the  loss  of  many  men.  Nothing,  how- 
ever, could  shake  the  resolution  of  this  valiant  com- 
mander, or  induce  him  to  abandon  his  purpose. 

Baffled  and  hara.ssed  in  all  his  previous  assaults, 
General  Wolfe  seems  to  have  determined  to  finish  the 
enterprise  by  a single  bold  and  desperate  effort.  This 
was  to  surmount  the  heights  of  Abraham,  which  over- 
looked Quebec,  and  were  then  deemed  inaccessible. 
To  mislead  the  French,  the  English  fleet  sailed  several 
miles  up  the  river,  making  occasional  demonstrations 
of  a design  to  land  troops  ; while  on  the  night  of  Sep- 
tember 12th,  a strong  detachment  of  flat-bottomed  boats 
was  dispatched  down  the  St.  Lawrence,  to  a point  a 
mile  above  the  city.  The  army  landed  about  an  hour 
before  daybreak,  clambered  up  a precipitous  steep, 
three  hundred  feet  high,  and  by  sunrise,  five  thousand 
troops  were  marshaled  on  the  heights  of  Abraham  — a 
position  which  commanded  the  city.  Montcalm  would 
not  at  first  believe  the  intelligence  of  this  movement ; 
but,  as  soon  as  he  was  aware  of  its  truth,  he  made  all 
prudent  haste  to  decide  a battle  which  it  was  no  longer 
possible  to  avoid.  About  nine  in  the  morning,  the 


DEATH  OF  GENERAL  WOLFE. 


Ill 


main  body  of  the  French  advanced  briskly  to  the 
charge,  and  the  action  soon  became  general.  Mont- 
calm having  taken  post  on  the  left  of  the  French  army, 
and  Wolfe  on  the  right  of  the  English,  the  two  generals 
met  each  other  where  the  battle  was  most  severe.  The 
English  troops  reserved  their  fire  until  the  French  had 
advanced  within  forty  yards  of  their  line,  and  then, 
by  a general  discharge,  made  terrible  havoc  among 
their  ranks.  The  fire  of  the  English  was  vigorously 
maintained,  and  the  enemy  everywhere  yielded  to  it. 
General  Wolfe,  who,  exposed  in  the  front  of  his  battal- 
ions, had  been  wounded  in  the  wrist,  betraying  no 
s}7mptoms  of  pain,  wrapped  a handkerchief  round  his 
arm,  and  continued  to  encourage  his  men.  Soon  after, 
he  received  a shot  in  the  groin ; but,  concealing  the 
wound,  he  was  pressing  on  at  the  head  of  his  grena- 
diers with  fixed  bayonets,  when  a third  ball  pierced 
his  breast.*  The  army,  not  disconcerted  by  his  fall, 

* On  receiving  his  mortal  wound,  Wolfe  was  conveyed  into  the  rear, 
where,  careless  about  himself,  he  evinced,  in  the  agonies  of  death,  the 
most  anxious  solicitude  concerning  the  fate  of  the  day.  “Support 
me,”  he  said  to  an  officer  near  him;  “let  not  my  brave  soldiers 
see  me  drop.  The  day  is  ours  — keep  it/’  From  extreme  faintness, 
he  had  reclined  his  head  on  the  arm  of  an  officer,  but  was  soon  aroused 
by  the  cry  of  “ They  fly,  they  fly  ! ” “ Who  fly  ? ” exclaimed  the  dying 
hero.  “ The  French,”  answered  his  attendant ; “ they  give  way  every- 
where.” “ What ! ” feebly  exclaimed  Wolfe,  “ do  they  run  already  ? Go 
to  Colonel  Preston  and  tell  him  to  march  Webb’s  regiment  immediately 
to  the  bridge  over  the  St  Charles  so  as  to  cut  off  the  fugitives’  retreat. 
Now,  God  be  praised,  I die  happy.”  These  were  his  last  words,  and  in 
the  midst  of  sorrowing  companions,  just  at  the  moment  of  victory,  he 
expired.  A death  more  full  of  military  glory  has  seldom  been  recorded 
by  the  pen  of  the  historian,  or  celebrated  by  the  pencil  of  the  painter. 
General  Wolfe  was  only  thirty-three  years  of  age.  He  possessed  those 
military  talents,  which,  with  the  advantage  of  years  and  opportunity  of 


112  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

continued  the  action  under  Monckton,  on  whom  the 
command  now  devolved,  but  who,  receiving  a ball 
through  his  body,  soon  yielded  the  command  to  Gen- 
eral Townshend.  Montcalm,  fighting  in  front  of  his 
battalions,  received  a mortal  wound  about  the  same 
time  ; and  General  Senezergas,  the  second  in  command, 
also  fell.  The  British  grenadiers  pressed  on  with  their 
bayonets.  The  center  of  the  French  army  was  broken. 
The  Scottish  highlanders,  drawing  their  broadswords, 
completed  the  confusion  of  the  enemy.  An  attempt 
was  made  by  them  to  rally,  but  after  a brief  and  fierce 
conflict,  they  retired,  leaving  the  British  undisputed 
masters  of  the  field.  The  loss  of  the  French  was  much 
greater  than  that  of  the  English.  Although  Quebec 
was  strongly  defended  by  its  fortifications,  General 
Townshend  had  scarcely  prepared  to  get  his  heavy 
artillery  upon  the  heights  for  a siege,  when  the  inhab- 
itants capitulated  on  condition  that,  during  the  war, 
they  might  enjoy  their  civil  and  religious  rights.  A 
garrison  of  five  thousand  English  troops  was  placed 
in  the  city,  and  the  fleet  sailed  out  of  the  St.  Lawrence. 

The  fall  of  Quebec  did  not  produce  the  immediate 
submission  of  Canada.  The  main  body  of  the  French 

action  to  moderate  his  ardor,  expand  his  faculties,  and  give  to  his  intui 
tive  perception  and  scientific  knowledge  the  correctness  of  judgment 
perfected  by  experience,  would  have  placed  him  on  a level  with  the 
most  celebrated  generals  of  any  age  or  nation.  Montcalm  was  every 
way  worthy  to  be  a competitor  of  Wolfe.  He  had  the  truest  military 
genius  of  any  officer  whom  the  French  had  ever  employed  in  America. 
After  he  had  received  his  mortal  wound,  he  was  carried  into  the  city ; 
and  when  informed  that  it  was  mortal,  his  reply  was,  “ I am  glad  of  it.” 
On  being  told  that  he  could  survive  but  a few  hours,  “ So  much  the  bet- 
ter,” he  replied,  “ I shall  not  then  live  to  see  the  surrender  of  Quebec.” 


EXPEDITION  AGAINST  MONTREAL. 


113 


army  retired  to  Montreal.  There  they  remained  dur- 
ing the  winter,  making  extensive  preparations  for  the 
recovery  of  Quebec.  In  the  month  of  April,  1760, 
the  French  army  sailed  down  the  St.  Lawrence,  and 
effected  a landing  near  Quebec.  General  Murray,  to 
whom  the  care  of  maintaining  the  English  conquest 
had  been  intrusted,  had  taken  every  precaution  to 
preserve  it ; but  his  troops  had  suffered  so  much  from 
the  extreme  severity  of  the  winter,  that  instead  of 
five  thousand,  the  original  number  of  the  garrison, 
there  were  scarcely  three  thousand  fit  for  service. 
But  with  this  small  army  he  resolved  to  meet  the 
enemy  in  the  field,  and  marched  out  to  the  heights 
of  Abraham,  to  defend  that  important  location  against 
the  French;  but  after  a fierce  encounter,  Murray 
was  obliged  to  retreat  into  the  city.  But  before  the 
French  could  prepare  their  batteries,  and  bring  their 
guns  to  bear  upon  the  fortifications,  a British  fleet 
most  opportunely  arrived,  and  the  French  precipi- 
tately retreated  to  Montreal.  There  the  Marquis  de 
Yaudreuil,  governor  of  Canada,  had  fixed  his  head- 
quarters, and  determined  to  make  his  last  stand. 
For  this  purpose  he  called  around  him  the  whole 
force  of  his  colony. 

While  Yaudreuil  was  thus  preparing  for  resistance, 
General  Amherst  was  concerting  and  executing  meas- 
ures to  bring  all  the  British  armies  in  America,  to 
act  in  concert  against  Montreal.  He  had  sent  in- 
structions to  General  Murray,  at  Quebec,  directing 
him,  as  soon  as  the  season  would  permit,  to  advance 
up  the  river  St.  Lawrence  by  water,  toward  Montreal, 
with  all  the  troops  that  could  be  spared  from  the 


114  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

garrison  of  Quebec.  He  appointed  Colonel  Haviland 
to  command  a body  of  troops,  which  were  to  pro 
ceed  from  Crown  Point,  through  Lake  Champlain 
to  take  possession  of  the  Isle  Aux  Noix;  and  from 
thence  they  were  to  advance  by  the  shortest  practi 
cable  route,  to  the  banks  of  the  river  St.  Lawrence. 
For  himself,  he  proposed  to  go  with  the  main  body 
of  his  army  by  the  way  of  the  Mohawk  to  Lake 
Ontario;  to  embark  his  troops  at  Oswego,  sail  over 
the  lake,  and  down  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  to  the 
Island  of  Montreal.  By  this  plan,  he  proposed  to 
bring  all  his  troops  against  that  place,  and  to  inclose 
and  surround  the  enemy  on  that  island.  Almost  on 
the  same  day,  the  armies  from  Quebec,  from  Lake 
Ontario,  and  from  Lake  Champlain,  were  concen- 
trated before  Montreal,  and  Vaudreuil  was  speedily 
compelled  (September  8,  1760)  to  capitulate.  In  1763, 
peace  was  ratified  between  England  and  France,  by 
which  all  the  possessions  of  the  French  in  Canada 
were  ceded  to  the  English. 

Thus  terminated  a war,  which  originated  in  an  at- 
tempt on  the  part  of  the  French  to  surround  the 
English  colonists,  and  chain  them  to  a narrow  strip 
of  country  along  the  coast  of  the  Atlantic ; and  ended 
with  their  giving  up  the  whole  of  what  was  then 
their  only  valuable  territory  in  North  America.  The 
immediate  advantage  the  colonies  derived  from  the 
successful  issue  of  the  contest  was  great  and  appa- 
rent. Although,  for  a short  period  after  the  conquest 
of  Canada  had  been  effected,  they  were  subject  to 
attacks  from  the  Indian  tribes  attached  to  the  French, 
they  were  soon  enabled  to  visit  their  cruelties  with 


CLOSE  OF  THE  FRENCH  WAR. 


115 


severe  retribution,  and  to  procure  a lasting  repose, 
as  the  Indians  had  no  forts  to  which  to  repair  for 
protection  or  aid.  But  the  indirect  results,  though 
almost  unperceived  at  first,  were  far  more  important, 
and  prepared  the  way  for  those  momentous  efforts 
which  resulted  in  the  loss  to  Great  Britain  of  the 
fairest  portions  of  her  colonies,  and  the  establish- 
ment of  her  vassal  as  a rival.  The  colonies  became 
inured  to  the  habits  and  hardships  of  a military  life, 
and  skilled  in  the  arts  of  European  warfare ; while 
the  desire  of  revenge  for  the  loss  of  Canada,  which 
France  did  not  fail  to  harbor,  was  preparing  for  them 
a most  efficient  friend,  and  making  way  for  the  anom- 
alous exhibition  of  a despotic  sovereign  exerting  all 
his  power  in  the  cause  of  liberty  and  independence. 


CHAPTER  II. 

THE  NEW-HAMPSHIRE  GRANT? 

“Look  now  abroad  — another  race  has  filled 

These  populous  borders — wide  the  wood  recedes 
And  towns  shoot  up,  and  fertile  plains  are  tilled ; 

The  land  is  full  of  harvests  and  green  meads  ; 

Streams,  numberless,  that  many  a fountain  feeds, 

Shine  disembowered,  and  give  to  sun  and  breeze 
Their  virgin  waters ; the  full  region  leads 

New  colonies  forth,  that  toward  the  western  sea? 

Spread,  like  a rapid  flame  among  the  autumnal  lea  es  ** 

Bryant. 

Up  to  the  close  of  the  French  war  in  1760,  the 
territory  now  composing  the  state  of  Vermont,  was 
an  uncultivated  wilderness.  The  only  considerable 
settlement  within  its  limits  was  at  Fort  Dummer, 
now  Brattleborough.  This  fort  had  been  built  under 
the  authority  of  Massachusetts,  in  1724,  and  gave  pro- 
tection to  a few  families  in  its  immediate  vicinity. 
The  region  between  Lake  Champlain  and  the  Con- 
necticut river  is  not  known  to  have  been  the  perma- 
nent habitation  of  the  Indian  tribes,  although  it  was 
often  traversed  by  them  in  their  hunting  excursions, 
and  in  their  warlike  expeditions  against  each  other. 
The  constant  warfare  which  was  maintained  between 
the  Indians  on  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  those  on  the 
Mohawk,  as  well  as  the  subsequent  wars  between 
the  French  and  English  colonies,  were  carried  on 
chiefly  through  Lake  Champlain  and  its  vicinity,  ren- 
dering the  settlement,  by  Indians  or  whites,  extremely 


RESULTS  OF  PEACE. 


117 


hazardous.  To  prevent  the  unwelcome  incursions  of 
the  Indians  attached  to  the  French  interests,  and  to 
give  protection  to  the  frontier  settlements,  Fort  Dum- 
mer  was  erected ; as  was  also,  about  twenty  years 
afterward,  Fort  Hoosic  or  Massachusetts,  the  site  of 
which  is  now  pointed  out  between  the  villages  of 
Williamstown  and  North  Adams.  For  a series  of 
years  previous  to  1759,  the  French  had  held  posses- 
sion of  the  forts  at  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point, 
and  their  vicinity  had  been  the  scene  of  many  bloody 
and  destructive  battles  between  them  and  their  Indian 
allies  on  the  one  band,  and  the  English  colonists  on 
the  other.  In  these  warlike  operations,  as  well  as  in 
the  incursions  of  the  savages,  much  of  the  best  blood 
of  New  England  had  been  spilt,  and  many  of  its 
most  valuable  inhabitants  had  been  carried  into  cap- 
tivity. In  their  retaliatory  expeditions  against  Can- 
ada, the  English  colonists  had  traversed  the  greater 
portion  of  Vermont,  and  had  become  charmed  with  its 
beauties  and  fertility.  The  French  also  regarded  this 
region  as  an  attractive  portion  of  their  possessions,  and 
while,  in  the  intervals  of  peace,  the  English  colonists 
were  gradually  spreading  their  settlements  northward 
on  the  Connecticut,  French  adventurers  as  eagerly 
sought  homes  along  the  borders  of  Lake  Champlain. 

The  war  having  terminated  in  the  conquest  of 
Canada,  the  frontiers  of  New  York,  Massachusetts 
and  New  Hampshire  were  no  longer  exposed  to  the 
inroads  of  the  French,  or  the  ravages  and  depreda- 
tions of  the  Indians.  The  prospect  was  that  the  un- 
settled parts  of  the  country  would  now  afford  pleasant 
and  safe  abodes  for  a large  body  of  farmers,  who 


118  ETHAN  ALLEN  'AND  GHEEN-MO IJNTAIN  HEKOES. 

might  wish  to  advance  their  fortunes  by  establishing 
settlements  along  the  frontiers.  No  portion  of  the 
country  appeared  more  inviting  than  that  situated 
between  Lake  Champlain  and  the  Connecticut,  and 
it  was  eagerly  explored  by  adventurers  and  specula- 
tors. The  soil  was,  in  many  places,  of  uncommon 
fertility,  favorable  to  the  production  of  grain,  and  in 
all,  to  grazing  and  the  raising  of  cattle.  It  was  plenti- 
fully watered  by  numerous  streams,  and  abounded 
with  excellent  timber.  In  such  a soil  and  situation, 
it  was  thought  by  the  hardy  pioneers,  the  labor  and 
hardships  of  a few  years  could  scarcely  fail  to  secure 
for  them  valuable  farms,  with  the  ease  and  ihdepen- 
dence  which  are  the  proper  rewards  of  industry  and 
frugality.  Encouraged  by  such  prospects,  many  peo- 
ple began  to  settle,  or  to  speculate  in  those  lands.  As 
early  as  1696,  indeed,  Governor  Fletcher,  of  the  prov 
ince  of  New  York,  bestowed  a considerable  portion 
of  the  present  state  of  Vermont  upon  Godfrey  Del- 
lius,  one  of  his  favorites,  who  was  the  minister  of  the 
Dutch  church  in  Albany.  Dellius  was  one  of  the 
commissioners  for  Indian  affairs,  and  had  previously 
obtained  from  the  Mohawk  Indians,  fraudulently,  as 
they  said,  a deed  of  their  title  to  the  same  lands. 
This  singular  and  very  liberal  donation,  conveyed 
to  Dellius  eight  hundred  and  forty  square  miles  of 
territory.  The  avarice  of  the  minister,  and  the  gen- 
erosity of  the  governor,  are  equally  entitled  to  a smile, 
if  it  is  permissible  to  smile  at  any  transaction  between 
so  venerable  a prelate  as  “our  Loving  Subject  the 
Reverend  Godfredius  Dellius,  Minister  of  the  Gospel 
att  our  city  of  Albany,”  and  so  august  a magistrate 


THE  DELLIUS  GRANT. 


119 


as  “ ms  Excellency,  the  Honorable  Benjamin  ffletcher, 
his  Majesty’s  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of 
the  Province  of  Hew  Yorke  and  the  territories  de- 
pending thereon  in  America.”  The  conveyance  was 
made  upon  the  following  condition:  uHe  Yielding 
Rendering  and  Paying  therefore  Yearly  and  every 
Year  unto  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  on  the  feast 
Day  of  the  Annunciation  of  our  blessed  Virgin  Mary 
at  our  city  of  Hew  Yorke  the  Annuall  Rente  of  one 
Raccoon  Skinn  in  lieu  and  stead  of  all  other  Rents 
Services  Dues  Dutyes  and  Demands  whatsoever  for 
the  said  Tract  of  Land  and  Islands  and  Premises.” 
The  Earl  of  Bellamonte,  who  succeeded  Fletcher, 
justly  regarding  these  and  other  large  grants  as  cal- 
culated to  impede  the  settlement  of  the  country,  rec- 
ommended the  annulment  of  these  grants  or  patents 
by  the  legislature.  This  was  accordingly  done,  and 
the  assembly,  exercising  ecclesiastical  as  well  as  civil 
authority,  also  passed  a resolution,  suspending  Dellius 
from  the  ministry  for  “deluding  the  Maquaas  [Mo- 
hawk] Indians,  and  illegal  and  surreptitious  obtaining 
of  said  grants.”  Dellius  returned  to  Holland,  and, 
regarding  his  title. as  still  valid,  transferred  his  claim 
to  the  Rev.  John  Lydius,  his  successor  in  the  min- 
istry at  Albany,  whose  descendants  long  afterward 
attempted  the  enforcement  of  the  claim.  From  1731, 
until  the  conquest  of  Canada  in  1760,  the  French 
governors  of  that  province  made  grants  of  nearly 
all  the  lands  contiguous  to  Lake  Champlain,  and 
various  settlements  were  begun  ; but  they  were  all 
abandoned  during  the  last  French  war. 

In  the  charters  granted  by  the  sovereigns  of  England 


120  ETHAtf  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

to  the  earlv  colonists  on  the  continent,  so  littffi  was 
known  of  the  geography  of  the  country,  and  so  trifling 
was  the  value  of  the  grants  considered,  that  their 
definition  of  boundaries  was  extremely  vague,  as  they 
well  might  be,  the  crown  having  no  precise  notions  of 
the  extent  or  situation  of  the  territories  it  was  ceding 
to  its  favorites.  Accordingly,  as  the  importance  of  the 
colonies  increased,  and  the  people  became  interested 
in  knowing  the  exact  limits  of  their  possessions,  it  was 
found  that  there  were,  in  several  instances,  conflicting 
claims  to  the  same  tract  of  country.  Hence  arose 
many  imbittered  controversies  between  the  colonies, 
some  of  which  were  not  finally  settled  until  long  after 
the  Revolution.  The  territory  comprising  the  state  of 
Hew  York  is  an  example  of  the  difficulty  attendant 
upon  these  questions.  By  the  terms  of  the  charters  to 
Massachusetts  and  Connecticut,  the  possessions  of  each 
were  to  extend  westward  to  the  South  sea  or  Pacific 
ocean.  Although  the  Dutch  had  for  several  years  been 
in  possession  of  the  Hudson  river,  it  does  not  seem  to 
have  been  fully  known  that  the  above  grants  conflicted 
with  their  interests,  although  they  contained  the  follow- 
ing condition  : “ Provided  always,  that  the  said  lands, 
islands,  or  any  of  the  premises  by  the  said  letters  patent 
intended  or  meant  to  be  granted,  were  not  then  actually 
possessed  or  inhabited  by  any  other  Christian  power 
or  State.”  After  the  conquest  of  “Hew  Hetherlands,” 
as  the  Dutch  possessions  were  called,  Charles  II.  granted 
them  to  his  brother,  the  Duke  of  York.  The  terms  of 
this  charter,  (the  controversy  respecting  which  resulted 
in  the  admission  of  Vermont  as  a separate  state  of  the 
Union)  will  interest  the  reader. 


THE  CHARTER  OF  NEW  YORK. 


121 


“Charles  the  Second,  by  the  Grace  of  God,  King 
of  England,  Scotland,  France  and  Ireland,  Defender  of 
the  Faith,  &c.  To  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall 
come,  Greeting : Know  ye,  that  we,  for  divers  good 
' causes  and  considerations,  have,  of  our  especial  grace, 
certain  knowledge  and  mere  motion,  given  and  granted, 
and  by  these  presents,  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors, 
do  give  and  grant  unto  our  dearest  brother,  James, 
Duke  of  York,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  all  that  part  of 
the  main  land  of  New  England,  beginning  at  a certain 
place,  called  or  known  by  the  name  of  St.  Croix,  next 
adjoining  to  New  Scotland  in  America;  and  from 
thence  extending  along  the  sea  coast,  unto  a certain 
place  called  Petuaguine,  or  Pemaquid,  and  so  up  the 
river  thereof  to  the  furtherest  head  of  the  same,  as  it 
tendeth  northwards ; and  extending  from  the  river  of 
Kenebeque,  and  so  upwards,  by  the  shortest  course  of 
the  river  Canada,  northwards : And  all  that  island 
or  islands,  commonly  called  by  the  several  name  or 
names  of  Matowacks  or  Long  Island,  situate,  and  being 
towards  the  west  of  Cape  Cod,  and  the  Narrow  High- 
gansetts,  abutting  upon  the  main  land,  between  the 
two  rivers  there,  called  or  known  by  the  several  names 
of  Connecticut  and  Hudson’s  River,  together  also  with 
the  said  river  called  Hudson’s,  and  all  the  lands  from 
the  west  side  of  Connecticut  river  to  the  east  side  of 
Delaware  Bay:  and  also,  all  those  several  islands, 
called  or  known  by  the  names  of  Martin’s  Vineyard, 
^id  Nantuckes,  otherways,  Nantucket ; together  wTith 
all,  &c.  Dated  the  twenty  ninth  day  of  June,  in  the 
twenty  sixth  year  of  the  reign  of  King  Charles  the 
Second.” 

The  boundary  between  New  York  and  Connecticut 
was  ultimately  fixed  at  a distance  of  twenty  miles  east 
of  the  Hudson,  it  being  found  that  lands  had  been 
granted  by  the  Connecticut  authorities,  and  settlements 
made,  thus  far  westward  ; and,  for  a similar  reason,  the 
same  arrangement  was  made  in  regard  to  the  boundary 

Detween  Massachusetts  and  New  York.  The  governor 

6 


122  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEItOES. 

of  New  Hampshire,  thinking  it  probable  that  th?juris- 
diction  of  his  government,  the  charter  being  somewhat 
ambiguous,  was  designed  to  extend  as  far  westward  as 
that  of  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut,  took  piompt 
measures,  as  soon  as  the  importance  of  the  territory 
seemed  to  justify  the  step,  to  establish  this  boundary 
During  the  peace  which  preceded  the  last  French  war 
Donning  Wentworth,  then  governor  of  New  Hampshire, 
wrote  to  Governor  George  Clinton,  of  New  York,  in 
regard  to  the  subject.  He  said,  “I  have  it  in  command 
from  his  Majesty,  to  make  grants  of  the  unimproved 
lands  within  my  government,  to  such  of  the  inhabitants 
and  others  as  shall  apply  for  grants  of  the  same,  as  will 
oblige  themselves  to  settle- and  improve,  agreeable  to 
his  Majesty’s  instructions.  The  war,  hitherto,  has  pre- 
vented me  from  making  so  great  a progress  as  I hoped 
for  on  my  first  appointment ; but  as  there  is  a prospect 
of  a lasting  peace  with  the  Indians,  in  which  your 
Excellency  has  had'  a great  share,  people  are  daily 
applying  for  grants  of  land  in  all  quarters  of  this 
government,  and  particularly  some  for  townships  to  be 
laid  out  in  the  western  part  thereof,  which  will  fall  in 
the  neighborhood  of  your  government.  I think  it  my 
duty  to  apprise  you  thereof,  and  to  transmit  to  your 
Excellency  the  description  of  New  Hampshire,  as  the 
king  has  determined  it  in  the  words  of  my  commission, 
which,  after  you  have  considered,  I shall  be  glad  if  you 
will  be  pleased  to  give  me  your  sentiments  in  what 
manner  it  will  affect  the  grants  made  by  you  or  preced- 
ing governors ; it  being  my  intention  to  avoid,  as  much 
as  I can,  consistent  with  his  Majesty’s  instructions, 
interfering  with  your  government.”  Governor  Clinton 


GUBERNATORIAL  CORRESPONDENCE.  123 

placed  this  letter  before  the  council ; they  u humbly  ad 
vised  his  Excellency  to  acquaint  Governor  Wentworth 
in  answer  to  his  said  letter,  that  this  province  [New 
York]  is  bounded  eastward  by  Connecticut  river  ; the 
letters-patent  from  King  Charles  II.  to  the  Duke  of 
York,  expressly  granting  ‘all  the  lands  from  the  west 
6ide  of  the  Connecticut  river  to  the  east  side  of  Del- 
aware bay.’  ” This  resolution  of  the  council  was 
transmitted  to  Governor  Wentworth. 

Previous  to  receiving  a reply  from  the  governor  of 
New  York,  Wentworth  granted  (January  3d,  1749)  to 
William  Williams  and  sixty-one  other  persons,  a town- 
ship, six  miles  square,  which,  in  allusion  to  his  own 
name,  was  called  Bennington.  It  was  situated  twenty- 
four  miles  east  of  the  Hudson  river,  and  six  miles  north 
of  the  Massachusetts  line.  Wentworth  gave  informa- 
tion to  Clinton  of  this  grant,  and  promised  to  make 
no  further  cessions  of  land  in  that  vicinity  until  the 
question  of  jurisdiction  should  be  decided.  Both 
governors  consented  to  make  representations  of  the 
matter  to  the  king,  and  await  his  decision.  Notwith- 
standing this,  Wentworth,  during  the  ensuing  four  or 
five  years,  continued  to  make  grants  of  lands  on  the 
west  side  of  the  Connecticut,  amounting,  in  all,  to 
fourteen  townships  in  1754.  That  year  hostilities 
commenced  between  the  English  and  French  colonies, 
and  until  the  final  conquest  of  Canada,  no  further 
applications  were  made  for  lands  within  the  disputed 
limits.  During  the  continuance  of  the  war,  the  New- 
England  troops  cut  a road  from  Number  Four,  on  the 
Connecticut,  to  Crown  Point,  on  Lake  Champlain. 
From  the  summits  of  the  Green  Mountains  they  looked 


124  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN -MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

admiringly  upon  the  smiling  and  luxuriant  valleys 
beneath  them,  and  many  a hardy  volunteer  selected 
the  place  where,  at  the  close  of  the  war,  he  should 
wish  to  establish  a home.  Upon  the  conquest  of  Can- 
ada, these  persons  applied  foi  grants  to  the  governor 
of  New  Hampshire,  within  whose  jurisdiction  the 
lands  were  generally  supposed  to  be.  By  the  advice 
of  his  council,  Wentworth  directed  a survey  to  be 
made  of  Connecticut  river  for  sixty  miles ; and  three 
lines  of  townships  to  be  laid  out,  on  each  side.  The 
applications  for  lands  increased,  and  new  surveys 
were  made.  So  rapid  was  the  progress,  that  during 
the  year  1761,  not  less  than  sixty  townships,  of  six 
miles  square,  were  granted  on  the  west  of  Connecticut 
river.  The  whole  number  of  grants,  in  one  or  two 
years  more,  amounted  to  one  hundred  and  thirty-eight ; 
and  their  extent  was  from  Connecticut  river,  to  what 
was  considered  twenty  miles  east  of  Hudson  river,  so 
far  as  that  extended  to  the  northward  ; and  after  that, 
as  far  west  as  the  eastern  shore  of  Lake  Champlain. 
The  cultivation  of  the  country,  and  the  number  of  the 
settlers,  increased  with  surprising  rapidity ; and  Mr. 
Wentworth  had  an  opportunity  to  accumulate  a large 
fortune,  by  the  fees  and  donations  which  attended  the 
business,  and  by  a reserve  of  five  hundred  acres, 
which  he  made  in  every  township,  for  himself. 

To  check  the  proceedings  of  New  Hampshire,  and 
to  intimidate  the  settlers,  Mr.  Cold'en,  lieutenant-gov- 
ernor of  New  York,  issued  a proclamation,  setting 
forth  the  charter  to  the  Duke  of  York,  asserting  its 
validity,  claiming  that  the  jurisdiction  of  New  York 

extended  eastward  to  the  Connecticut  river,  and 
• 7 


COUNTER-PROCLAMATIONS. 


125 


commanding  the  sheriff  of  the  county  of  Albany  to 
make  a return  of  all  persons  who,  under  color  of 
grants,  from  Governor  Wentworth,  had  taken  pos- 
session of  any  lands  west  of  the  Connecticut.  To 
counteract  the  influence  of  this  proclamation,  Mr. 
Wentworth  also  published  one,  pronouncing  the  char- 
ter to  the  Duke  of  York  to  be  obsolete ; asserting  that 
New  Hampshire  extended  as  far  westward  as  Massa- 
chusetts and  Connecticut;  and  assuring  the  settlers 
upon  his  grants  that  they  would  be  confirmed  by  the 
crown,  even  should  the  jurisdiction,  be  transferred  to 
New  York.  The  people  were  exhorted  not  to  be  in- 
timidated, but  to  be  industrious  and  diligent  in  the 
cultivation  of  their  lands ; and  the  civil  officers  were 
required  to  exercise  jurisdiction  as  far  westward  as 
grants  had  been  made,  and  to  punish  all  disturbers 
of  the  peace.  After  such  assurances  from  a royal 
governor,  they  entertained  no  suspicion  that  a con- 
test between  two  provinces,  respecting  the  extent  of 
their  jurisdiction,  would  ever  affect  the  rights  of  those 
who  had  fairly  purchased  thefr  lands  from  a governor 
appointed  by  the  king. 

Hitherto,  the  claim  of  New  York  to  the  territory 
in  question  had  been  founded  on  the  grant  to  the 
Duke  of  York.  But  when  application  was  made  to 
the  crown  for  a confirmation  of  the  claim,  it  was 
supported  by  a petition,  purporting  to  be  from  a large 
number  of  the  settlers  on  the  New-H^mpshire  grants, 
representing  that  it  would  be  for  their  advantage  to 
be  annexed  to  the  colony  of  New  York,  and  praying 
that  the  western  bank  of  Connecticut  river  might  be 
established  as  the  eastern  boundary  of  that  province. 


126  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN -MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

The  application  from  New  York  was  referred  to  the 
board  of  trade,  and  upon  their  recommendation,  sec- 
onded by  a report  of  a committee  of  the  privy -council, 
an  order  was  made  by  the  king,  (July  20,  1764,)  de- 
claring “ the  western  banks  of  Connecticut  river,  from 
where  it  enters  the  province  of  Massachusetts  Bay, 
as  far  north  as  the  forty-fifth  degree  of  latitude,  to  be 
the  boundary-line  between  the  two  provinces  of  New 
York  and  New  Hampshire.” 

This  decree,  like  many  other  judicial  determinations, 
while  it  closed  one  controversy,  opened  another.  The 
jurisdiction  of  the  governor  of  New  Hampshire,  and 
his  authority  to  grant  lands,  were  circumscribed  on 
the  west  by  Connecticut  river ; but  the  grantees  of 
the  soil  found  themselves  involved  in  a dispute  with 
the  government  of  New  York.  From  the  words  “ to 
be ,”  in  the  royal  declaration,  adverse  conclusions  were 
drawn.  The  government  assumed  that  they  referred 
to  time  past,  and  construed  them  into  a declaration 
that  the  Connecticut  always  had  formed  the  eastern 
boundary  of  New  York ; consequently,  that  all  the 
grants  made  by  Mr.  Wentworth  were  illegal,  and  that 
the  lands  might  be  granted  again.  The  grantees  un- 
derstood the  words  as  simply  designed  to  affect  the 
future,  and  not  to  annul  the  validity  of  past  transac- 
tions. They  regarded  it  as  merely  extending  the  ju- 
risdiction of  New  York,  from  that  period,  over  their 
territory.  But  they  had  no  apprehension  that  it  could 
in  any  way  affect  the  title  to  their  lands.  Having 
purchased  and  paid  for  those  lands,  under  grants 
from  the  crown,  they  did  not  understand  by  what 
perversion  of  justice  they  could  be  compelled,  by  the 


EXCITEMENT  AMONG  THE  PEOPLE.  127 

Suine  authority,  to  repurchase  or  abandon  them.  To 
the  change  of  jurisdiction  they  were  willing  to  sub- 
mit, although,  at  first,  the  governor  of  New  Hamp- 
shire remonstrated  against  it.  However,  he  was  at 
length  induced  to  abandon  the  contest,  and  issued  a 
proclamation  “recommending  to  the  proprietors  and 
settlers  due  obedience  to  the  authority  and  laws  of 
the  colony  of  New  York.”  In  this  state  of  things, 
the  government  of  New  York  proceeded  to  extend 
its  jurisdiction  over  the  New-Hampshire  grants,  di- 
viding the  territory  into  four  counties,  and  establish- 
ing courts  of  justice  in  each.”  The  settlers  were  called 
on  to  surrender  their  charters,  and  repurchase  their 
lands  under  grants  from  New  York.  Most  of  them 
peremptorily  refused  to  comply  with  this  order.  New 
grants  of  their  lands  were,  therefore,  made  to  others ; 
in  whose  names  actions  of  ejectment  were  commenced, 
and  judgments  obtained,  in  the  courts  at  Albany. 
The  attempts  to  execute  these  judgments,  by  dispos- 
sessing the  settlers,  met  with  a determined  and  ob- 
stinate resistance.  For  the  purpose  of  rendering  this 
resistance  more  effectual,  various  associations  were 
formed  ; and  at  length,  a convention  of  representatives 
from  the  several  towns  on  the  wrest  side  of  the  moun- 
tains was  called.  This  convention,  after  mature  de- 
liberation, appointed  Samuel  Robinson,  of  Bennington, 
an  agent,  to  represent  to  the  court  of  Great  Britain 
the  grievances  of  the  settlers,  and  obtain,  if  practi- 
cable, a confirmation  of  the  New-IIampshire  grants. 
Mr.  Rooinson  proceeded  to  London,  and  laid  the 
subnet  before  his  Majesty. 

By  this  means  he  obtained  an  order  from  the  king, 


128  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

(July  24,  1767,)  as  follows:  “His  Majesty,  taking  the 
said  report  [a  report  of  the  board  of  trade]  into  con 
sideration,  was  pleased,  with  the  advice  of  his  private 
council,  to  approve  thereof,  and  doth  hereby  strictly 
charge,  require  and  command,  that  the  Governor  or 
Commander  in  Chief  of  his  Majesty’s  Province  of 
New  York,  for  the  time  being,  do  not,  upon  pain 
of  his  Majesty’s  highest  displeasure,  presume  to  make 
any  grant  whatsoever,  of  any  part  of  the  lands  de- 
scribed in  the  said  report,  until  his  Majesty’s  further 
pleasure  shall  be  known,  concerning  the  same.” 
Notwithstanding  this  explicit  prohibition,  the  gov- 
ernor of  New  York  continued  to  make  grants;  and 
writs  of  ejectment  continued  to  be  issued,  returnable 
to  the  supreme  court  at  Albany.  On  trial  of  these 
actions,  it  was  decided  that  duly  authenticated  copies 
of  the  royal  orders  to  the  governor  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, and  of  the  grants  made  in  pursuance  of  those 
orders,  should  not  be  read  in  evidence.  Thus,  com- 
pelled to  abandon  a legal  defense,  the  settlers  were 
driven  to  the  last  resort.  A convention  of  the  people 
assembled  at  Bennington,  and  “resolved,  to  support 
their  rights  and  property  pnder  the  New-Hampshire 
grants,  against  the  usurpation  and  unjust  claims  of 
the  governor  and  council  of  New  York,  by  force,  as 
law  and  justice  were  denied  them.” 

Conspicuous  among  those  who  were,  by  their  re 
sistance  to  New  York,  laying  the  foundation  upon 
which  the  independent  state  of  Vermont  has  been 
reared — indeed  the  leader  and  champion  of  that  reso 
lute  band  of  husbandmen  who  first  planted  themselves 
in  the  wilderness  of  the  Green  Mountains — wap 


THE  ALLEN  FAMILY. 


129 


Ethan  Allen.  Joseph  Allen,  the  father  of  Ethan, 
was  a native  of  Coventry,  Connecticut ; but  afterward, 
on  his  marriage  to  Mary  Baker,  removed  to  Litchfield, 
where  Ethan  was  born,  January  10,  1737.  The  father 
of  Ethan  Allen  was  a sober,  industrious  farmer,  of 
good  character,  and  in  moderate  circumstances.  Af- 
ter the  birth  of  Ethan,  his  parents  removed  to  Corn- 
wall, where  other  children  were  born,  making,  in  all, 
six  sons  and  two  daughters : Ethan,  Ileinan,  Lydia, 
Heber,  Levi,  Lucy,  Zimri  and  Ira.  All  the  brothers 
grew  up  to  manhood,  and  four  or  five  of  them  emi- 
grated to  the  territory  west  of  the  Green  Mountains, 
among  the  first  settlers,  and  were  prominent  mem- 
bers of  the  social  and  political  compacts  into  which 
the  inhabitants  gradually  formed  themselves.  Bold, 
active  and  enterprising,  they  espoused  with  zeal  and 
defended  with  energy,  the  cause  of  the  settlers  against 
what  were  deemed  the  encroaching  schemes  of  their 
neighbors,  and,  with  a keen  interest,  sustained  their 
sh^re  in  all  the  border  contests.  Nothing  is  known 
of  the  early  life  of  Ethan  Allen,  previous  to  his  re- 
moval to  Bennington,  Yermont.  This  was  about  the 
year  1772,  although,  being  interested  in  a considera- 
ble portion  of  the  New-Hampshire  grants,  he  had 
spent  much  of  his  time  in  exploring  the  lands  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  Green  Mountains,  for  the  purpose  of 
locating  townships,  and  had  taken  an  active  part  in 
the  controversy  with  New  York  for  three  or  four  of 
the  previous  years.  Next  to  Ethan,  Ira,  the  youngest, 
was  the  most  energetic  of  the  brothers,  and  entered 
into  the  land  speculation  with  more  zeal  than  the 
others.  While  thus  engaged,  he  kept  a journal  of  his 


130  ETIIAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOD  NT  AIN  HEROES. 

proceedings,  and  a few  extracts  from  it  cannot  ba 
uninteresting;  for  they  depict,  in  a lively  manner,  the 
nature  of  the  transactions  in  which  he  was  engaged, 
and  are  illustrative  of  his  character.  His  foresight 
in  the  choice  of  the  location  where  the  beautiful  and 
flourishing  town  of  Burlington  has  grown  up,  will  per- 
haps excite  quite  as  much  admiration  as  the  shrewd- 
ness he  displayed  in  disposing  of  worthless  lands.* 

1772.  “ My  next  object  was  to  make  a map  of  the  town- 
ship of  Mansfield  with  the  allotments  and  survey-bills 
thereof,  agreeable  to  the  bond,  &c.,  I had  given  the  Pro- 
prietors of  said  town  the  preceding  summer.  I soon 
completed  the  map,  but  turning  my  attention  to  the 
field-books  that  Captain  Remember  Baker  and  1 had 
kept,  a difficulty  arose  in  my  mind,  for  my  object  was 
to  sell  out  of  Mansfield  at  all  events,  and  if  possible,  to 
get  the  ninety  pounds  for  the  survey,  Ac.  A great  pro- 
portion of  the  corners  of  said  lots  were  made  on  Spruce 
or  Fir  timber,  and  if  I described  them  as  such,  it  would 
show  the  poorness  of  the  town,  and  raise  many  questions 
I wished  to  avoid.  1 made  use  of  a stratagem  that  an- 
sWbred  my  purpose.  In  my  survey-bills  I called  Spruce 
and  Fir,  Greenwood,  a name  not  known  by  the  people 
of  Sharon,  (the  place  where  the  Proprietors  lived.) 
They  asked  what  kind  of  timber  Greenwood  was.  I 
told  them  full,  straight  trees,  that  had  a gum  much 
like  the  gum  on  Cherry-trees,  Ac.  While  the  Proprie- 
tors were  busy  in  inspecting  the  map,  survey-bills,  Ac., 
I took  aside  the  Brother  of  one  of  the  principal  Pro- 
prietors,, who  was  an  ignorant  fellow,  and  owned  two 
rights  of*  land  in  the  town.  I tried  to  buy  his  rights, 
but  he  dare  not  sell  them  without  first  consulting  his 
Brother.  By  this  the  Proprietors  all  got  the  alarm 
that  I wished  to  purchase,  and  Land  in  Mansfield  was 

* The  original  manuscript  of  Ira  Allen’s  journal  is  in  the  possession 
of  Henry  Stephens,  Esq.,  of  Barnet,  Vermont,  the  distinguished  anti 
quary  of  that  state.  The  extracts  are  given  verbatim,  and  are  now,  foi 
the  first  time,  placed  before  the  public. 


THE  ALLENS  IN  NEW  YORK. 


131 


considered  of  consequence.  I was  urged  to  sell  back  to 
the  Proprietors  the  twenty  rights  I had  bought,  which 
I did,  and  obtained  the  ninety  pounds  for  the  survey, 
&c.,  which  I considered  of  more  consequence  than  the 
whole  town.  Having  closed  this  business  satisfactory 
to  myself,  I returned  to  my  Brothers,  and  had  a hearty 
laugh  wTith  the  Brothers  Hernan  and  Zimry,  on  •inform- 
ing them  respecting  the  Greenwood,  &c. 

1772.  “Some  lands  were  owned  by  Edward  Burling 
and  others  at  the  White  Plains,  twenty-one  miles  from 
New  York  which  we  wanted.  Col.  Ethan  Allen,  Capt. 
Remember  Baker  and  myself  armed  with  hatchets  and 
pistols,  a good  case  of  pistols  each  in  our  pockets,  with 
each  a good  hanger  set  out  to  purchase  the  aforesaid 
and  other  lands  in  the  colony  of  New  York.  We  trav- 
eled under  the  character  of  British  officers,  going  from 
Canada  to  New  York  to  embark  for  London,  and  made 
no  small  parade.  My  brother  Heman  being  then  in  a 
mercantile  line,  set  out  for  New  York,  but  was  seldom 
in  company  with  us  as  he  was  too  much  known  on  that 
road.  We  put  up  at  a tavern  near  Mr.  Burling’s,  hav- 
ing previously  concerted  measures  with  Heman  to  ac- 
quaint Mr.  Burling  of  our  intentions  and  the  reason  of 
our  traveling  in  that  manner,  the  time  we  should  call 
on  him  <fec.  We  proceeded  according,  bought  great 
part  of  Mr.  Burling’s  lands  and  bought  of  others,  spent 
three  days  there  without  the  suspicion  who  we  were. 
The  evening  before  we  left  there  after  closing  our  busi- 
ness, Heman  came  & putting  up  at  the  same  house,  as 
it  was  necessary  to  be  together  as  we  should  part  next 
morning,  for  Heman  was  to  make  purchases  in  New 
York  (Zimry  was  also  occasionally  to  purchase  Lands) 
it  wras  with  much  difficulty  Heman  could  get  introduced 
to  our  company  that  evening  by  the  diffidence  of  the 
Landlord,  and  after  questions  of  the  supposed  British 
Officers,  questioning  the  character  of  the  Connecticut 
merchant  &c.  But  Heman  got  leave  by  bringing  in 
his  hand  a liberal  Bowl  to  be  introduced.  It  was  with 
difficulty  we  could  all  keep  our  countenances  till  the 
Landlord  retired,  which  was  very  soon.  It  was  curi- 
ous to  see  the  astonishment  of  the  Landlord  the  next 


132  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN -MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 


morning,  when  we  called  in  our  bill  all  together,  and 
declared  who  we  were,  informing  a Pedler  who  was 
present,  going  direct  to  New  York,  that  bounties  were 
offered  for  us,  giving  our  names  &c.  We  saw  the  Ped- 
ler set  out  at  full  speed  to  New  York  to  raise  a party 
against  us,  as  he  supposed  we  were  going  to  continue 
speculating  in  lands,  depending  on  our  own  arms  for 
defence.  On  his  arrival  in  New  York  he  went  to  the 
Governor  and  Council,  and  gave  his  deposition  of  our 
being  purchasing  Lands  &c.  at  the  White  Plains.  At 
first  it  was  proposed  to  send  a party  of  light  horse 
men  after  us,  and  preparations  were  made  for  that 
purpose  ; but  James  Duane,  Esq.  observed  that  we 
were  daring  fellows  and  no  doubt  well  mounted,  and 
had  gone  directly  out  of  the  colony  in  hopes  of  being 
pursued  to  laugh  at  our  pursuers,  that  it  was  in  vain 
to  pursue  Green  Mountain  Boys  on  their  guard  &c. 
Mr.  Duane  was  perfectly  right,  for  within  two  hours 
after,  the  express  arrived  in  New  York  we  were  in  the 
colony  of  Connecticut,  in  hopes  of  being  pursued,  to 
gain  a greater  opportunity  to  satarize  our  adversaries. 

1773.  “I  went  and  pitched  a number  of  hundred-acre 
lots  contiguous  to  Burlington  Bay.  The  land  in  itself 
was  great  part  poor-looking  Pine  plains.  This  move 
of  mine,  astonished  iny  friends,  who  had  observed  me 
to  be  very  enterprising  in  pitching  good  lands,  and  that 
much  good  land  remained  untouched  in  Burlington; 
and  I gave  no  reasons  for  my  conduct,  which  raised 
many  questions  and  disputes  ; indeed  1 did  not  but  in 
part  explain  myself  to  my  worthy  friend  and  partner, 
Baker  ; for  I found  he  had  but  little  opinion  of  that 
place,  but  looked  for  good  lands,  more  than  situations  ; 
observing  that  good  lands  would  certainly  be  of  conse- 
quence$  but  it  was  hard  to  determine  where  places  of 
consequence  would  arise  in  a country  so  extensive  and 
new,  that  after  securing  the  best  of  the  lands  by  pitches, 
we  might  in  consequence  of  settlements,  &c.,  be  [a  few 
lines  illegible  in  the  original  manuscript]  of  situations, 
and  pitch  or  purchase  any  lands  we  might  think  of  con 
sequence.  These  remarks  were  of  much  good  sense,  but 
Baker  had  not  explored  the  country  so  much  as  I had 


IEA  ALLEN  S JOURNAL. 


133 


and  I had  settled  my  opinion  from  which  I was  deter- 
mined not  to  depart,  nor  give  any  further  reasons.  Fre- 
quent satires  passed  on  me  respecting  Burlington  Pine 
Plains.  One  rainy  day  Stephen  Lawrence,  Joshua  Stan- 
ton and  others  had  been  fishing  at  the  Falls,  the  rain 
proving  too  hard  came  into  the  fort  where  Baker  kept 
spirits  (fee.  for  sale  & over  a bowl  of  PiAtch  began  severely 
to  bulragg  me  for  pitching  Burlington  pitch  pine  plains 
(by  knic  name  I was  called  Stub)  they  carried  the  joke 
so  far  as  to  call  Stub  a fool  for  pitching  such  lands 
that  he  could  not  give  any  good  reason  for  it.  Stub  as 
cheerfully  answered  to  that  name  as  to  any  other,  re- 
solved to  take  them  a little  in  and  give  no  satisfactory 
reasons  neither,  observed  that  he  was  surprised  that 
they  could  not  see  use  for  such  lands  considering  its 
situation  (fee.,  that  for  a double  bowl  of  punch  he  would 
give  his  reasons.  This  they  agreed  to  give,  but  Stub 
would  have  the  punch  in  and  take  a good  drink  before 
he  began  to  give  his  reasons.  This  was  done  with  so 
much  apparent  candor  that  the  company  complied,  the 
punch  was  brought  in  and  Stub  took  the  first  drink  and 
passed  it  round.  All  attention  was  then  paid  for  Stub 
to  give  his  reasons  for  pitching  Burlington  Pine  Plains. 
When  Stub  putting  on  a serious  countenance  began. 
That  the  life  of  man  was  by  sacred  writ  estimated  at 
three  score  years  and  ten,  that  although  some  survived 
that  period  of  life,  yet  many  fell  short  and  none  could 
tell  the  time  of  their  dissolution,  that  dry  Pine  plain 
was  easy  digging  and  good  burying  ground,  and  if  as 
suggested  by  some,  the  spirits  of  the  deceased  conversed 
with  each  other  and  viewed  the  conduct  of  posterity 
it  would  be  convenient  passing  from  Tomb  to  Tomb 
through  that  light  dry  earth  and  to  see  from  the  high 
sand  bank  the  multitude  carry  on  commerce  in  Bur- 
lington Bay  &c.  This  serious  satire  and  having  first 
got  a double  bowl  of  punch,  induced  Stub’s  neighbors 
1 3 say  very  little  more  to  him  about  Burlington  Pine 
Plains  for  considerable  time.”  * 


* The  following  amusing  narrative  of  Ira  Allen’s  adventure  with  a 
ghost,  as  told  by  him  in  the  autobiography  from  which  the  above  extracts 


1*34  ETHAN  ALLEN  ANT  GlvE  EN-MO  U NT  AIN  HEROES. 


Seth  Warner  was  second  only  to  Ethan  Allen  in 
that  energetic  resistance  to  the  claims  of  Governor 
Try  on,  which  ultimately  led  to  the  independence  of 
Vermont.  He  was  born  in  Woodbury,  Connecticut, 

are  taken  will  doubtless  be  interesting,  as  illustrative  of  the  charac- 
ter of  the  Allens : “ Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mcintire  were  from  Scotland,  and 
had  two  daughters  about  twenty-four  years  of  age.  The  old  lady  and 
her  daughters  used  to  amuse  me  by  telling  many  frightful  stories  respect- 
ing ghosts,  apparitions,  (fee.,  appearing  to  people  in  Scotland,  (fee.,  amongst 
which  was  many  stories  respecting  an  old  woman  appearing  without  a 
head.  One  evening  I challenged  the  old  .woman  without  a head,  and  all 
the  ghosts,  (fee.,  to  meet  me  at  any  time  and  place  they  chose.  This  ex- 
ceedingly alarmed  my  honest  landlady  and  daughters,  and  they  all  seemed 
exceeding  anxious  for  my  safety  for  being  so  presumptuous  as  to  make 
such  a challenge,  and  not  doubting  but  that  I should  meet  with  difficulty 
the  first  time  belated  and  in  the  woods  in  the  evening.  The  next  day  1 
found  a part  of  the  hogs  that  had  been  strayed  away  and  become  wild, 
with  all  the  art  I had,  could  not  get  them  so  gentle  as  ID  come  to  them  till 
dear  dark,  at  which  time  I was  at  least  three  miles  in  the  wilderness. 
There  was  then  a snow  on  the  ground  about  four  inches  deep.  I made 
the  best  of  my  way  to  gain  a foot-path  from  Mr.  Mclntire’s  to  a beaver 
meadow.  In  the  way  I passed  a thicket  of  Hemlock,  (fee.,  under  which 
>t  was  dark.  I cut  a staff  about  three  feet  long  to  defend  my  eyes  (fee. 
from  limbs  that  might  come  in  my  face.  In  this  way  I found  the  foot 
path,  in  which  several  loads  of  hay  had  been  carried  from  the  meadow . 
to  the  house  which  had  mixed  leaves,  snow,  (fee.,  so  that  I could  discovei 
the  foot  path  for  twenty  rods  before  me.  At  this  time  for  the  first  time 
that  night  I thought  of  the  old  woman  without  any  head  at  which  1 had 
a hearty  laugh  to  think  whether  I should  turn  out  if  she  met  me  in  that 
narrow  path.  I thought  no  more  of  the  matter  till  I had  walked  about 
one  mile,  when  to  my  no  small  surprise  at  about  eight  rods  distance,  I 
discovered  the  perfect  appearance  of  a woman  in  the  path  without  any 
head ; her  shoulders,  waist,  arms  akimbo,  her  bands  on  her  hips,  women’s 
clothes  (fe  feet  below  were  in  perfect  shape  before  me  which  I viewed 
with  astonishment. 

I reasoned  to  myself  is  this  appearance  fictitious  or  real.  If  the  God 
of  Nature  authorises  sucl  apperat  ions  then  there  is  no  flying  from  them. 
What  injury  can  they  possibly  do  me?  I had  been  promised  laithfully 


SETH  WARNER. 


135 

in  1743.  His  father,  Dr.  Benjamin  Warner,  removed 
to  Bennington  in  1763,  only  one  year  after  the  first 
settlement  was  made  in  that  town.  Although  quite 
young,  Seth  at  once  took  a prominent  part  in  the  vari- 
ous controversies  and  struggles  which  were  incident  to 
the  early  settlement  of  a new  state.  He  was  distin- 
guished in  his  youth,  as  he  wTas  afterward  in  his  man- 
hood, for  the  solidity  and  extent  of  his  understanding. 
With  no  other  scholastic  advantages  than  such  as  a 
common  school  education  afforded,  yet  those  advan- 
tages were  employed  to  the  best  possible  purpose ; 
and,  at  his  majority,  he  was  possessed  of  a fund  of 
knowledge,  which  was  as  serviceable  as  if  it  had  been 
obtained  in  the  classic  walks  of  Harvard,  or  under  the 
elms  of  Yale. 

Coming  to  the  state  of  Vermont,  as  Seth  Warner 
did,  while  the  soil  was  yet  but  poorly  tilled,  while  the 

not  to  flinch  at  any  such  appearance  I will  see  it  out : on  this  determi- 
nation, kicked  the  snow  away  that  I might  ktiow  where  I made  the  dis- 
covery, and  advanced  with  my  cane  in  my  hand  for  a blow  as  soon  as  I 
arrived  near  enough.  With  trembling  approaches  I came  within  about 
thirty  yards,  before  I discovered  the  cause  of  such  an  appearance.  The 
facts  were  that  a tree  had  been  broken  by  the  wind  leaving  a stump, 
which  the  woodcocks  had  pecked  the  bark  off  in  that  shape  so  long  that 
the  wood  had  become  whitish  and  the  bark  of  the  other  part  fallen  off. 
The  darkness  of  the  night  prevented  me  from  seeing  the  darker  colour, 
while  the  reflection  of  snow  shone  the  other  part  of  the  stumps  forming 
die  size  and  figure  of  a woman  without  a head.  Had  it  been  a little 
lighter  the  whole  stump  would  have  been  seen,  or  a little  darker  and  no 
part  could  have  been  seen.  To  satisfy  mystflf,  I went  back  to  where 
I kicked  away  the  snow,  and  the  old  woman  again  appeared  in  per- 
fect shape.  I occasionally  passed  that  place  frequently  after,  but  not 
at  a time  when  such  an  opportunity  could  be  discovered.  Had  I been 
frightened  and  ran  away,  I might  like  others  have  believed  in  such 
appearances/* 


136  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

forests  were  uncleared,  while  no  school-house  or  church 
had  been  erected,  there  was,  it  would  seem,  but  little 
to  encourage  the  mind  of  that  Connecticut  boy  to 
become  a resident  among  the  Green  Mountains.  But 
the  rivers,  lakes  and  ponds  were  filled  with  large 
quantities  of  excellent  fish.  The  forests  abounded 
with  every  variety  of  game,  and  in  the  dells  and  on 
the  hills  could  be  seen  flowers  of  rare  excellence  and 
beauty.  “Solomon  in  all  his  glory  was  not  arrayed 
like  one  of  these.”  Young  Warner  was  a skillful 
botanist.  He  sought,  partly  from  necessity  but  chiefly 
from  choice,  to  render  himself  familiar  with  such 
plants  and  roots  as  were  indigenous  to  Vermont.  We 
are  assured  that  no  man  acquired  more  information 
touching  the  nature  and  properties  of  such  natural 
productions  than  he.  With  such  invaluable  knowledge, 
he  was  exceedingly  useful  in  new  settlements,  where  he 
could  administer  relief  when  medical  assistance  could 
not  easily  be  obtained. 

Young  Warner  was  a huntsman,  too.  The  ready 
pen  of  that  romance-writer  who  cordially  sympathizes 
with  every  effort  to  learn  the  character  of  the  early 
settlers  of  this  state,  represents  him,  under  the  character 
of  “Colonel  Warrington,”  as  a successful  lover  of  the 
pleasures  of  the  chase.  Traveling  back  eighty  years, 
if  we  wish  to  see  him  as  he  was,  we  find  him  an 
inhabitant  of  one  of  the  rude  cabins  that  were  thinly 
scattered  through  the  wilderness.  We  observe;  him 
felling  the  forest,  or  tilling  the  soil  which  had  never 
been  touched  by  any  hand  before.  There  will  be  found 
around  his  cabin,  unbroken  silence,  save  when  the 
stroke  of  his  ax  awakens  the  echo,  or  the  howl  of  the 


SETH  WARNER. 


137 


wolf  disturbs  the  dull  ear  of  midnight.  In  the  midst 
of  all  his  labors,  as  well  as  his  pastime,  he  is  compelled 
to  be  ready  with  the  loaded  musket  to  repel  the  lurk- 
ing savage.  “You  see  a man  of  a very  fine  and 
even  majestic  appearance.  Though  tall  and  muscular 
so  compactly  and  finely  set  *are  his  limbs,  that  his 
contour  presents  nothing  to  the  eye  in  the  least  dis- 
proportioned  or  ungainly.  His  features  seem  to  cor- 
respond in  regularity  of  formation  to  the  rest  of  his 
person, -while  his  countenance  is  rather  of  the  cool  and 
deliberate  cast,  indicative,  however,  of  a mild,  benevo- 
lent disposition,  as  well  as  a sound  and  reflecting  in- 
tellect. Every  development,  indeed,  whether  of  his 
shapely  head  or  manly  countenance,  goes  to  show  a 
strong,  well-balanced  character,  and  one  capable  of 
action  beyond  the  scope  of  ordinary  men.”* 

It  is  said  by  contemporaries  who  have  seen  him  at 
the  head  of  his  brave  “ Green-Mountain  Regiment,” 
armed  and  equipped  for  duty,  that  no  man  could 
bestride  a horse  with  more  grace  and  dignity  than  he. 
With  a broad  and  intellectual  forehead,  relieved  by 
a profusion  of  nut-brown  hair,  and  with  sparkling  blue 
eyes  beaming  forth  under  eye-brows  most  beautifully 
arched,  his  physiognomy  gave  unmistakable  signs  of 
an  intelligent,  courageous  and  energetic  man. 

Such  was  the  skillful  huntsman  and  the  practical 
botanist,  before  the  blast  of  war  blew  in  the  ears  of  the 
early  settlers  of  the  ISTew-Hampshire  grants.  Contin- 
uing to  use  his  quick  eye-sight  and  steady  arm  in 
hunting  after  game  in  the  forests,  and  indulging  his 
scientific  taste  in  the  dells  and  dingles  where  medica. 

• Sec  tlie  “ Green  Mountain  Boys,”  by  Daniel  P.  Thompson,  Esq. 


138  ETHAN  ALLEN  ANT)  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

plants  were  most  abundant,  he  became  widely  known 
as  one  upon  whose  usefulness  and  humanity  reliance 
could  b6  reposed.  And  thus  was  laid  the  basis  of  that 
reputation  which,  in  after  times,  rendered  him  so  in- 
fluential and  powerful  for  good  when  “ the  slings  and 
arrows  of  outrageous  FdHune  ” were  hurtled  at  those 
who,  like  himself,  had  pitched  their  tents  among  the 
green  hills  of  Vermont. 

Captain  Remember  Baker,  who  was  early  associated 
with  Allen  and  Warner,  was,  like  the  latter,  native 
of  Woodbury,  Connecticut.  He  was  born  about  the 
year  1740.  In  his  youth  he  was  deprived  of  his  father, 
who  was  accidentally  shot  by  a neighbor,  while  on  a 
hunting  excursion.  Young  Baker,  being  thus  left  an 
orphan,  was  sent  to  live  with,  and  learn  the  trade  of  a 
joiner,  by  whom  he  was  taught  to  read  and  write,  and 
was  made  acquainted  with  figures.  In  the  year  1757, 
he  enlisted  as  a soldier  in  an  expedition  against  Can- 
ada. He  also  served  in  the  ensuing  campaign  as  a 
non-commissioned  officer,  and  gained  much  applause 
for  his  intrepidity.  He  was  also  at  the  storming  of  the 
French  lines  when  Abercrombie  was  defeated  before 
Ticonderoga,  and  his  bravery  in  that  fatal  action,  as 
well  as  his  discretion  on  the  retreat  of  the  colonial 
forces,  save  him  considerable  distinction.  He  contin- 

f 

ued  a third  year  in  the  service,  but  returned  to  Con- 
necticut after  the  conquest  of  Canada.  In  the  year 
1763,  he  removed  to  the  Hew-Hampshire  Grants,  as 
the  country  which  afterward  received  the  name  of 
Vermont  was  then  called,  where  he  spent  considerable 
time  in  exploring  the  wild  lands,  and  in  hunting  the 
game  with  which  the  Green  Mountains  then  abounded. 


BENNINGTON. 


139 


He  finally  removed  with  his  family  to  Arlington,  where 
he  built  the  first  mills  that  were  erected  north  of  Ben- 
nington. This  afforded  great  encouragement  to  the 
settlers,  and  the  population  in  the  vicinity  of  Arlington 
increased  with  much  rapidity. 

The  charter  of  Bennington,  although  dated  January 
3d,  1749,  was  not  actually  issued  until  March,  1750. 
The  survey,  however,  was  made  in  1749  — and  it  was 
no  doubt  designed  that  the  actual  occupancy  of  the 
territory  would,  as  in  the  case  of  Connecticut  and 
Massachusetts,  result  in  settling  whatever  controversy 
might  arise,  respecting  jurisdiction,  in  favor  of  New 
Hampshire.  The  charter  of  the  town  had  been  granted 
in  sixty -four  equal  shares,  or  “ rights,”  as  they  were 
called,  of  three  hundred  and  sixty  acres  each.  The 
grantees  resided  principally,  if  not  wholly,  at  Ports- 
mouth, New  Hampshire.  But  none  of  them,  it  is 
believed,  ever  removed  to  the  town.  The  first  settlers 
were  purchasers  under  the  original  proprietors,  and 
were  from  Massachusetts.  Samuel  Robinson,  of  Hard- 
wich,  who  had  been  for  several  years  a captain  in  the 
French  war,  on  his  return  from  Lake  George  to  Fort 
Massachusetts,  while  proceeding  up  Hoosic  river,  mis- 
took the  Walloomscoik*  for  that  stream,  and  followed 
it  up  to  the  tract  of  country  which  had  been  granted 
under  the  name  of  Bennington.  There  he  discovered 
that  he  had  missed  his  way,  and  directed  his  course  to 
the  fort.  He  was  much  pleased  with  the  country,  and 
returned  to  his  family  with  a determination  to  begin  a 
settlement  upon  it.  He  accordingly  repaired  to  New 

* See  Thompson’s  Gazetteer  of  Vermont — an  invaluable  work  to  all 
V ermonters. 


140  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

Hampshire,  made  purchases  of  a considerable  portion 
of  the  “ rights,”  and  then  sought  for  persons  who  would 
undertake  to  occupy  the  lands.  These  were  readily 
found,  and  the  settlement  of  the  town  was  commenced 
in  the  spring  of  1761.  The  first  emigrants  were  Har- 
woods, Robinsons  and  Pratts,  and,  with  their  families, 
consisted  of  about  twenty  persons.  They  traveled  on 
horseback,  and  in  that  way  transported  all  their  house- 
hold effects,  of  which,  it  may  be  imagined,  there  was 
no  considerable  variety  or  quantity.  They  reached 
the  town  on  the  18th  of  June.  Benjamin  Harwood, 
(who  was  still  living  a few  years  ago,)  was  the  first 
person  born  in  the  town,  (January  12th,  1762.)  In  the 
fall  of  1761,  manypther  families  settled  in  Bennington, 
and  the  place  rapidly  grew  in  importance.  Among 
the  first  cares  of  the  people,  after  the  erection  of  suita- 
ble habitations,  was  the  establishment  of  a church  and 
a school.  The  first  meeting  of  the  proprietors,  of 
which  a record  has  been  kept,  was  held  February  12th, 
1762.  A committee  was  then  appointed  “to  look  out 
a place  for  a meeting-house  ; ” and  soon  after  a site 
was  agreed  upon,  and  a church  was  immediately  con- 
structed, which  was  paid  for,  partly  by  individual  con- 
tributions, and  partly  by  a tax  on  the  proprietors  of 
the  town.  Upon  the  organization  of  the  church,  the 
“Cambridge  platform”  was  adopted,  except  such  parts 
as  admitted,  according  to  theHew-England  fashion  of 
that  day,  the  aid  of  the  civil  magistrates  in  enforcing 
the  supoort  of  the  ministry,  and  their  coercive  power 
over  the  church  in  other  matters.  They  denominated 
themselves  “ Congregationalists,”  but  being  in  advance 
of  the  great  majority  of  their  brethren  of  that  period 


THE  PIONEERS  OF  VERMONT. 


141 


in  the  liberality  of  their  views  of  religious  freedom, 
were  for  some  time  called  “Separatists.”  In  the  fall  of 
1763,  the  Kev.  Jedediah  Dewey,  of  Westfield,  Massa- 
chusetts, became  pastor  of  the  church,  and  in  addition 
to  the  encouragement  he  obtained  from  voluntary  con- 
tributions, he  received  from  the  proprietors  of  the  town 
a donation  of  three  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land, 
eligibly  situated,  which  was  called  “the  minister’s 
right.”  Mr.  Dewey  continued  to  reside  with  the  con- 
gregation at  Bennington  until  his  death,  in  1778.  In 
1763,  the  proprietors  voted  a tax  for  building  a school- 
house,  and  sixty  dollars  were  contributed  toward  sup- 
porting a school  “to  be  kept  in  these  parts  of  the 
town.” 

The  early  settlers  suffered  great  inconvenience  for 
the  want  of  roads,  bridges  and  mills.  To  overcome 
these  difficulties,  the  inhabitants  taxed  themselves  lib- 
erally— opened  roads  in  various  directions,  and  con- 
structed bridges  where  necessary.  For  the  erection  of 
each  saw  and  flouring  mill,  a bounty  of  forty  dollars 
was  paid  by  the  proprietors.  Meantime,  among  the 
inhabitants  of  the  New-England  colonies,  a market  had 
been  found  for  the  lands  granted  by  Governor  Went- 
worth, and  settlers  were  flocking  over  the  mountains 
from  various  quarters.  The  easy  terms  upon  which 
the  townships  had  been  patented,  enabled  the  original 
purchasers  to  dispose  of  shares  and  single  farms  at 
very  low  prices,  thus  holding  out  strong  allurements  to 
settlers.  Apprehensions  as  to  the  validity  of.  their 
title,  may  also  have  induced  the  first  proprietors  to 
prefer  a quick  sale  with  small  profits,  to  the  uncertain 
prospect  of  larger  gains  at  a future  day.  By  this 


142  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

union  of  policy  and  interest,  the  lands  were  rapidly 
sold,  in  tracts  of  various  dimensions,  to  practical  farm- 
ers, who  resolved  to  establish  themselves  as  permanent 
residents  on  the  soil.  Many  settlements  were  begun, 
and  when,  after  enduring  almost  incalculable  hardships 
and  the  severest  toil,  they  began  to  realize  the  blessings 
for  ivhich  they  had  labored  so  indefatigably,  the  alarm* 
ing  intelligence  reached  them,  that  they  must  repur 
chase  their  lands  from  the  government  of  New  York, 
at  exorbitant  prices,  or  be  expelled  from  their  homes 
a^id  deprived  of  their  possessions.  To  pay  a second 
time  for  their  lands  at  their  original  value,  would  have 
been  regarded  as  grossly  unjust ; but  to  be  required  to 
purchase  the  improvements  which  they  had  made  in 
effort  and  self-denial,  was  a demand  which  they  felt 
that  they  could  meet  only  with  armed  resistance. 

In  regard  to  the  jurisdiction  of-the  government  of 
New  York,  which  had  been  established  by  order  of 
the  crown  in  July,  1764,  as  heretofore  stated,  they  were 
not  disposed  to  have  any  serious  controversy.  They 
were,  indeed,  familiar  with  the  laws  and  institutions  of 
New  Hampshire,  and  preferred  them  to  those  of  New 
York.  New  Hampshire,  as  well  as  the  other  New- 
England  provinces,  recognized  the  townships  as  little 
republics,  in  which  the  people,  at  annual  town-meetings 
appointed  their  own  legal  officers,  and,  in  conformity 
with  established  laws,  made  their  own  municipal  regu- 
lations. In  New  York,  most  of  these  matters  were 
then  either  subjects  of  direct  provincial  legislation,  or 
came  under  the  still  more  anti-republican  superintend- 
ence of  the  governor  and  council,  or  of  the  judges  of 
the  courts,  who  were  the  creatures  of  their  appointment. 


GOVERNOR  TRYON. 


U3 

The  people  contemplated  with  regret  the  withdrawal 
of  power  from  themselves  which  early  education  had 
made  dear  to  them,  and  long  experience  had  proved  to 
be  convenient  and  just.  Besides,  the  division  of  New 
York  into  large  tracts  of  territory  termed  manors,  of 
which  individuals  denominated  landlords  or  patroons, 
were  the  owners,  and  all  who  cultivated  the  soil  were 
their  tenants,  subject  to  the  payment  of  quit-rents,  alien- 
ation fees,  and  other  acknowledgments  of  dependence 
and  subjugation,  accorded  ill  with  their  New-England 
notions  of  personal  equality  and  independent  owner- 
ship of  the  soil.  But  notwithstanding  this  strong  pref- 
erence to  the  government  of  New  Hampshire,  the 
jurisdiction  of  New  York,  had  jurisdiction  been  the 
sole  aim  of  Governor  Tryon,  would  have  been  quietly 
acquiesced  in. 

But  the  governor  of  New  York  had  other  objects  in 
view,  than  that  of  simply  extending  the  powers  of  his 
government  over  the  people  inhabiting  the  “New- 
Ilainpshire  Grants.”  Those  grants  contained  a large 
quantity  of  fertile  lands,  much  of  which  had  been 
made  highly  valuable  by  the  improvements  of  the 
settlers ; and  the  temptation  to  derive  a pecuniary 
profit  from  them  was  too  strong  to  be  resisted.*  He 
therefore  called  on  the  settlers,  by  proclamation,  to 
surrender  their  grants  and  repurchase  their  lands  from 
him.  A few  of  the  towns  near  Connecticut  river  com- 
plied ; but  most  of  them,  including  all  those  west  of 
the  Green  Mountains,  refused.  Upon  this  refusal, 

* The  fees  to  the  governor  of  New  Hampshire,  for  granting  a town- 
ship, were  about  one  hundred  dollars;  under  the  government  of  New 
•York  they  usually  amounted  to  between  two  and  three  thousand  dollars. 


144  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEEOEb. 

Governor  Tryon  made  new  grants  of  the  town  to 
others : principally  to  his  friends  and  dependents, 
including  some  belonging  to  his  council,  .and  also 
judges  of  the  courts,  members  of  the  bar,  and  of 
the  colonial  assembly.  The  limitation  of  these  grants 
to  a favored  class  who  were  connected  with  the  gov- 
ernment, will  account  for  the  pertinacity  with  which 
the  New- York  claims  were  afterward  prosecuted  by 
the  rulers  of  the  province,  as  well  as  the  apathy  with 
which  their  successive  efforts  to  eject  the  original 
settlers  were  seconded  by  the  people  at  large. 

The  New-York  purchasers  caused  their  lands  to  be 
surveyed  preparatory  to  making  sales  or  leases  of 
them.  This  proceeding  was  quite  unacceptable  to  the 
actual  occupants  of  the  land,  and  whenever  the  sur- 
veyors were  discovered,  they  were  roughly  driven 
from  their  employment.  One  of  the  surveyors,  in  at- 
tempting to  run  a line  across  the  farm  of  Samuel 
Robinson,  of  Bennington,  was  attacked  by  him  with 
a hoe  and  driven  off.  For  this,  Robinson  was  ap- 
prehended ; but  after  being  confined  for  two  months 
in  the  jail  at  Albany,  was  released,  on  the  payment 
of  a fine.  Others  who  resisted  were  indicted,  but 
the  sheriff  of  Albany  county,  (which  then  extended 
to  the  Connecticut  river,)  was  generally  unsuccessful 
in  his  attempts  to  arrest  them.  The  people  were 
alarmed  by  these  and  other  demonstrations  by  the 
governor  of  New  York,  but  having  a strong  reliance 
upon  the  justice  of  their  cause,  and  being  confident 
that  the  crown  had  been  deceived  in  regard  to  the 
subject,  or  that  a wrong  construction  had  been  placed 
upon  the  order  of  the  king,  prepared  a remonstrance 


APPEAL  TO  THE  KING. 


145 


against  the  proceedings  of  New  York,  and  in  the  fall 
of  1766,  at  a convention  of  the  several  towns  oh  the 
west  side  of  the  Green  Mountains,  appointed  Samuel 
Robinson  as  their  agent  to  present  the  remonstrance, 
and  to  advocate  their  application  for  relief,  by  his 
personal  solicitations.  They  could  not  conceive  that 
a parental  government,  in' which  character  they  were 
disposed  to  view  that  of  the  mother  country,  could 
possibly  desire  to  deprive  them  of  their  hard-earned 
property,  for  the  benefit  of  a few  land-speculators. 
By  some  of  the  towns,  their  share  of  the  expense  of 
the  embassy  was  levied  in  the  form  of  a tax  upon 
the  proprietors ; while  in  others,  resort  was  had  to  in- 
dividual subscriptions.  An  order  from  the  king  was 
obtained,  as  heretofore  stated,  forbidding  the  issue  of 
further  grants  by  the  governor  of  New  York;  but 
before  the  purpose  of  his  mission  had  been  fully  ac- 
complished, Mr.  Robinson  was  seized  with  the  small- 
pox, and  died. 

The  progress  of  Governor  Tryon,  in  his  efforts  to 
obtain  possession  of  the  disputed  lands,  underwent 
some  interruption  from  the  order  of  the  king  in  re- 
gard to  making  grants.  It  was,  however,  soon  dis- 
covered, that  the  order  did  not,  technically,  prohibit 
his  taking  possession  of  lands  which  he  had  already 
granted,  but  only  forbade  the  issue  of  new  grants.  In 
October,  1769,  the  governor’s  council  advised  him 
that  the  king’s  order  “did  not  extend  to  prevent  the 
governor  from  the  granting  of  any  lands  which  had 
not  previously  been  granted  by  New  Hampshire.” 
He  therefore  proceeded  to  issue  new  patents,  and  in 
effect  wholly  neglected  the  king’s  order,  and  continued 

7 


146  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

giving  lands  to  his  friends,  without  regard  to  their 
having  been  previously  granted  by  New  Hampshire. 
Thus,  the  mission  of  Mr.  Robinson  to  England,  although 
attended  with  apparent  success,  had  no  other  effect 
upon  the  New-York  government,  than  to  impose  a 
temporary  check  upon  its  operations.  However,  it 
inspired  the  sellers  with  new  confidence  in  the  jus- 
tice of  their  cause,  and  gave  them  strong  reasons  to 
hope  that  their  rights  would  eventually  be  acknowl- 
edged and  protected  by  the  “home  government,”  which 
was  then  recognized  as  the  supreme  authority  that 
would  finally  decide  the  question. 

In  1769,  the  efforts  of  the  New-York  claimants  to 
obtain  possession  of  the  disputed  lands,  were  again 
commenced  with  great  vigor.  In  October  of  that 
year,  a number  of  the  inhabitants  of  Bennington  were 
assembled  on  the  farm  of  James  Brackenridge,  in  the 
western  part  of  the  town,  for  the  purpose  of  assisting 
him  in  harvesting  his  corn.  While  they  were  thus 
employed,  a number  of  surveyors  came  upon  the  farm, 
and  appeared  to  be  running  a line  across  it.  Mr. 
Brackenridge,  and  Mr.  Samuel  Robinson  left  their 
work,  and  entered  into  conversation  with  them.  The 
surveyors  declared  that  they  were  acting  under  the 
authority  of  the  state  of  New  York,  for  the  purpose  of 
dividing  among  the  proprietors  the  patent  of  Wallum- 
schaik.*  Brackenridge  and  Robinson  forbade  their 
proceeding  further,  stating,  at  the  same  time,  that  it 

* It  was  asserted  that,  about  ten  years  previous  to  the  grant  of  the 
township  of  Bennington  by  Governor  Wentworth,  a Dutchman,  named 
Wallum,  had  obtained  from  the  governor  of  New  York,  a grant,  cov- 
ering nearly  all  of  the  same  territory,  although  he  took  no  measures 


INDICTMENTS. 


147 


was  not  their  intention  to  use  violence,  but  merely 
to  protest  against  the  proceeding,  for  the  purpose  of 
preserving  their  legal  rights.  Much  conversation  took 
place,  and  finally  the  party  desisted  from  their  sur- 
vey, and  retired.  Upon  this,  Abraham  Ten  Brook, 
one  of  the  proprietors  of  the  patent,  petitioned  the 
governor  and  council  of  Hew  York  on  the  subject ; 
stating,  that  the  commissioners  and  surveyors  for  di- 
viding the  patent  of  Wallumschaik,  had  been  “vio- 
lently opposed  by  sundry  persons,  and  prevented  by 
their  threats  from  executing  the  trusts  reposed  in 
them.”  Upon  which  a proclamation  was  issued  by 
the  governor  “for  apprehending  and  securing  the 
principals  and  ringleaders ; ” and  at  the  following 
January  term  of  the  court  at  Albany,  several  per- 
sons who  had  been  present  were  indicted  as  rioters. 
Among  them  was  the  Rev.  Jedediah  Dewey,  Joseph 
Robinson,  Elijah  Fay,  Thomas  Henderson,  Ebenezer 
Robinson,  and  John  Stewart.  Hone  of  them,  how- 
ever, were  arrested  or  brought  to  trial.  Other  at- 
tempts, of  a similar  character,  were  attended  with 
the  same  results,  and  actions  of  ejectment  were 
brought  by  the  Hew-York  grantees  against  the  set- 
tlers. Affairs  were  approaching  a crisis.  Upon  the 
actions  of  ejectment  depended  the  title  to  the  lands, 
so  far  as  the  courts  of  Hew  York  could  determine 
the  question.  Although  the  people  had  but  little  con- 
fidence in  these  tribunals,  they  resolved  to  appear  and 

to  occupy  it.  The  grant  was  called  Wallumschaik  — the  termination 
“chaik  ” meaning  scrip  or  patent.  This  gave  name  to  the  stream  pass- 
ing through  it;  the  orthography  of  which,  in  accordance  with  the 
pronunciation,  was  changed  to  Walloomscoik. 


148  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

make  the  best  defense  in  their  power.  The  manage- 
ment of  the  business  was  intrusted  to  Ethan  Allen. 
Bold,  enterprising,  ambitious,  and  having  extreme 
confidence  in  his  powers,  both  of  body  and  mind, 
he  entered  zealously  upon  his  task.  His  aid  was 
rendered  the  more  valuable,  by  reason  of  his  exten- 
sive acquaintance  in  New  England  and  New  York. 
Although  laboring  under  the  disadvantages  of  a de- 
fective early  education,  he  possessed  considerable  gen- 
eral information,  anu  he  could  write  a letter  or  an 
argument  in  strong  and  intelligible,  if  not  accurate 
and  polished  language ; and  he  could  address  a mul- 
titude, and,  when  occasion  required,  a court,  with  skill 
and  effect.  Upon  his  selection  as  an  agent  to  defend 
the  suits  brought  against  the  settlers,  he  went  to  New 
Hampshire,  and  obtained  copies  of  Governor  Went- 
worth’s commission  and  instructions  from  the  king, 
under  which  he  had  acted  in  making  the  grants. 
He  next  proceeded  to  Connecticut,  and  engaged  the 
services  of  Mr.  Ingersoll,  an  eminent  counselor  of 
that  time.  In  June,  1770,  they  appeared  before  the 
court  in  Albany.  An  action  of  ejectment  against 
Josiah  Carpenter,  of  Shaftsbury,  came  on  for  trial; 
and  the  defendant’s  counsel  offered  in  evidence  the 
documents  above  mentioned,  together  with  the  char- 
ter of  the  township,  and  a deed  of  the  land  in  ques- 
tion from  the  original  proprietor  to  the  defendant. 
This  evidence  was  rejected  by  the  court,  on  the 
ground  that  the  New-Hampshire  charters  were  illegal 
and  void,  and  the  jury  were  directed  to  find  a ver- 
dict for  the  plaintiff’.  Two  other  actions  were  tried 
with  the  same  result.  As  all  the  cases  were  precisely 


THE  TRIALS  AT  ALBANY. 


149 


like  these,  their  decision  was  regarded  as  a precedent 
for  the  residue,  and  no  further  attempts  at  a defense 
were  made,  in  the  various  trials  which  ensued.*  The 
defendants  and  their  friends  did  not,  however,  con- 
template that  the  matter  would  end.  at  Albany.  Af- 
ter Allen  retired  from  the  court,  several  gentlemen, 
interested  in  the  New-York  grants — one  of  whom 
was  the  king’s  attorney-general  for  the  colony — called 
upon  him,  and  urged  him  to  go  home  and  advise  his 
friends  to  make  the  best  terms  they  could  with  their 
new  landlords ; intimating  that  their  cause  was  now 
desperate,  and  reminding  him  of  the  proverb,  that 
“ might  often  prevails  against  right.”  Allen  coolly  re- 
plied : “The  gods  of  the  valleys  are  not  the  gods  of  the 

* In  1779,  Allen  published  a work,  entitled,  “A  Vindication  of  the 
opposition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Vermont  to  the  governor  of  New 
York,  and  of  their  right  to  form  into  an  independent  state,  humbly 
submitted  to  an  impartial  world,  by  Ethan  Allen.”  From  this  work, 
the  following  characteristic  account  of  these  trials  is  taken : **  In  the 
year  1769,  the  claimants  under  the  subsequent  grants  from  New  York, 
and  not  residing  on  the  controverted  premises,  brought  actions  of 
ejectment  in  the  supreme  court  held  at  Albany,  against  sundry  actual 
settlers,  who  claimed  the  soil  by  virtue  of  prior  grants  from  New 
Hampshire.  But  most,  if  not  all  the  judges  and  attornies,  particularly 
Messrs.  Duane  and  Kemp,  which  attended  the  court,  were  patentees 
under  New  York ; and  some  of  them  interested  in  the  very  patents 
on  trial.  The  plaintiffs  appearing  in  great  state  and  magnificence, 
which,  together  with  their  junto  of  land  thieves,  made  a brilliant  ap  ■ 
pearance ; but  the  defendants  appearing  but  in  ordinary  fashion,  having 
been  greatly  fatigued  by  hard  labor  wrought  on  the  disputed  premises, 
and  their  cash  much  exhausted,  made  a very  disproportionate  figuro 
at  court.  Ia  fine,  interest,  conviction  and  grandeur,  being  all  on  one 
side,  easily  turned  the  scale  against  the  honest  defendants,  and  judg- 
ments without  mercy,  in  favor  of  the  claimants  under  New  York,  wia 
given  against  them,”  dec. 


150  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

hills ; ” and  when  asked  by  Kemp,  the  attorney-general, 
to  explain  his  meaning,  he  replied:  “If  you  will  ac- 
company me  to  the  hill  of  Bennington,  the  sense  will 
be  made  clear.” 

The  purpose  of  his  mission  being  thus  brought  to 
a close,  Mr.  Allen  returned  and  reported  the  partic- 
ulars to  his  constituents.  The  news  spread  from  hab- 
itation to  habitation,  and  created  a sudden  and  loud 
murmur  of  discontent  among  the  people.  Seeing,  as 
they  thought,  the  door  of  justice  shut  against  them, 
and  having  tried,  in  vain,  all  the  peaceable  means 
of  securing  their  rights,  they  resolved  to  appeal  to 
the  last  arbiter  of  disputes.  The  inhabitants  of  Ben- 
nington immediately  assembled,  and  came  to  a for- 
mal determination  to  defend  their  property  by  force, 
and  to  unite  in  resisting  all  encroachments  upon  the 
lands  occupied  by  persons  holding  titles  under  the 
warrants  granted  by  the  governor  of  New  Hampshire. 
This  was  a bold  step;  but  it  was  promptly  taken, 
and  with  a seeming  determination  to  adhere  to  it, 
at  any  hazard,  and  without  regard  to  consequences. 
Nor  was  this  decision  changed  or  weakened  by  a 
proposition  on  the  part  of  the  New- York  patentees, 
made  about  this  time,  which  allowed  to  each  occu- 
pant a fee-simple  of  his  farm,  at  the  same  price  for 
which  the  unoccupied  lands  in  his  neighborhood  were 
sold.  The  first  purchasers  still  insisted  that  this  was 
requiring  them  to  pay  twice  for  their  lands  ; and  that, 
in  any  view,  the  proposal  was  not  just,  inasmuch  as 
the  value  of  the  unoccupied  lands  depended  mainly 
on  the  settlements  which  had  been  made  in  their  vi- 
cinity, by  the  toil,  and  at  the  expense,  of  the  original 


DETERMINATION  OF  THE  MOUNTAINEERS. 


151 


occupants.  In  short,  the  time  for  talking  about  char- 
ters, and  boundaries,  and  courts  of  judicature,  was 
past,  and  the  mountaineers  were  now  fully  bent  on  con- 
ducting the  controversy  by  a more  summary  process. 

Actions  of  ejectment  continued  to  be  brought  before 
the  Albany  courts ; but  the  settlers,  despairing  of  suc- 
cess, after  the  decision  of  the  first  cases,  did  not  ap- 
pear in  defense,  nor  give  themselves  any  more  trouble 
in  the  matter.  Next  came  sheriffs  and  civil  magis- 
trates to  execute  the  writs  of  possession,  and  by  due 
course  of  law  to  remove  the  occupants  from  the  lands. 
At  this  crisis,  the  affair  assumed  a tangible  shape. 
The  mountaineers  felt  themselves  at  home  on  the  soil 
which  they  had  subdued  by  their* own  labor,  and  in 
the  territory  over  which  they  had  begun  to  exercise 
supreme  dominion,  by  meeting  in  conventions  and 
committees,  and  taking  counsel  of  each  other  on  pub- 
lic concerns.  To  drive  one  of  them  from  his  house, 
or  deprive  him  of  his  hard-earned  substance,  was  to 
threaten  the  whole  community  with  an  issue,  fatal 
alike  to  their  dearest  interests,  and  to  the  rights  which 
every  man  deems  as  sacred  as  life  itself.  It  was  no 
wonder,  therefore,  that  they  should  unite  in  a com- 
mon cause,  which  required  their  combined  efforts  to 
maintain.  But  the  results  of  the  trials  at  Albany  had 
given  additional  confidence  to  the  New-York  claim- 
ants, and  they  determined  on  renewed  efforts  to  ob- 
tain possession  of  the  disputed  lands.  The  proprietors 
of  the  Wallumschaik  patent  made  another  attempt 
to  survey  the  township  of  Bennington  ; but,  as  in  pre- 
vious instances,  the  endeavor  was  unsuccessful.  The 
surveyors  had  not  proceeded  far,  when  they  were  met 


152  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

by  a body  of  twenty  or  thirty  of  the  settlers,  who 
warned  them  to  desist,  in  so  decided  a tone,  that  they 
abandoned  the  undertaking.  This  was  in  September, 
1770.  Abraham  Ten  Brook,  one  of  the  proprietors 
of  the  patent,  in  behalf  of  himself  and  the  other  pro- 
prietors, petitioned  the  governor  and  council  ol  New 
York  on  the  subject;  stating  “that  the  proclamation 
which  the  governor  had  issued  on  the  11th  of  Decem- 
ber, 1769,  for  apprehending  rioters,  had  been  attended 
with  no  effect  — that  actions  of  ejectment  had  been 
tried  at  the  last  summer-assizes  at  Albany,  against  the 
settlers,  and  three  different  verdicts  obtained  against 
them,  and  that  another  defendant  had  made  default  — 
that  these  judgments  had  induced  the  petitioners  to 
believe  the  commissioners  might  proceed  unmolested  ; 
but  that  they  had  been  opposed  by  a riotous  and 
tumultuous  body,  who  armed  themselves  with  clubs, 
and  warned  them  to  desist  from  their  business ; 
threatening  them  with  violence,  &c.  The  petition 
also  stated  that  the  commissioners  did  not  think  it 
safe  to  proceed  further,  and  prayed  the  governor  and 
council  for  aid  and  relief  in  the  premises.”  The  pe- 
tition was  taken  into  consideration,  and  in  October, 
1770,  the  council  advised  the  governor  “to  issue  a 
proclamation  for  apprehending  Simeon  Hatheway,  Mo- 
ses Scott,  Jonathan  Fisk,  and  Silas  Robinson,  prin- 
cipal authors  and  actors  in  said  riot,  and  to  insert 
in  the  proclamation,  the  declaration  that  the  governor 
had  orders  from  the  king,  to  protect  the  New-York 
claimants  with  his  whole  power  and  authority.” 

At  this  period,  and  for  some  time  afterward,  one  of 
the  most  active  and  efficient  advocates  and  supporters 


LEGAL  PROCEEDINGS  RENEWED. 


153 


of  the  New- York  government,  was  John  Munro,.  pro- 
prietor of  a patent  under  that  province,  lying  upon 
White  creek  and  extending  into  the  present  town  of 
Shaftsbury.  He  held  the  office  of  justice  of  ^he  peace 
for  Albany  county,  and  resided  on  his  patent.  He 
had  a number  of  tenants  and  dependents  about  him, 
and  by  his  boldness  and  energy  of  character,  was  very 
troublesome  to  the  occupants  of  the  New-Hamsphire 
grants.  In  obedience  to  the  governor’s  proclamation, 
Henry  Ten  Eyck,  sheriff  of  the  county  of  Albany,  in 
company  with  Munro  and  others,  repaired  to  the  house 
of  Silas  Robinson,  in  Bennington,  early  on  the  morning 
of  the  29th  of  November,  and  arrested  him.  By  at- 
tacking him  unexpectedly,  and  returning  precipitately 
to  Albany,  they  succeeded  in  committing  him  to  the 
jail,  before  any  attempt  could  be  made  by  his  neigh- 
bors to  rescue  him.  The  sheriff  was  much  elated  by 
his  success,  and  wrote  an  account  of  it  to  the  governor, 
who  returned  a highly  complimentary  letter,  and  di- 
rected him  to  keep  the  prisoner  in  custody  until  he 
should  be  released  by  due  course  of  law.  Kobinson  was 
afterward  indicted,  but  was  finally  released,  on  giving 
bail  for  his  appearance  at  court.  Fourteen  others  were 
indicted  with  Robinson,  but  no  attempt  was  made  to 
arrest  them. 

From  the  time  judgments  were  rendered  in  the  eject- 
ment suits  at  Albany,  in  the  spring  of  1771,  various 
efforts  were  made  by  the  sheriff  to  put  the  plaintiffs  in 
possession  of  the  premises  which  had  been  adjudged 
to  them,  but  without  success.  Wherever  he  went,  he 
was  sure  to  be  met  by  a party  larger  than  that  which 
accompanied  him,  and  was  told  that  any  attempt  to 


154  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN -MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

execute  a writ  of  possession  would  certainly  be  resisted 
by  force.  These  facts  being  reported  tc  the  governor, 
he  directed  them  to  summon  the  militia  of  the  county 
to  his  aid.  This  was  accordingly  done,  and  in  July, 
1771,  an  Attempt  was  made  to  arrest  James  Bracken- 
ridge.  The  following  account  of  this  expedition  is 
from  Ira  Allen’s  History  of  Vermont : * 

“ The  sheriff  of  Albany  county  summoned  the  posse 
to  aid  him  in  serving  a writ  of  possession  upon  James 
Brackenridge.  The  sheriff  was  followed  by  seven  hun- 
dred and  fifty  men  well  armed,  and  three  hundred  set- 
tlers assembled  to  resist  him.  The  settlers  had  full 
notice  of  his  approach,  and  had  completed  their  ar- 
rangements for  defence.  An  officer  with  eighteen  men 
was  placed  in  the  house  — one  hundred  and  twenty 
behind  trees  in  a wood  near  a road  through  which  the 
sheriff  must  march  and  would  naturally  halt  his  men. 
The  other  division  was  stationed  behind  a fidge  of 
land  in  a meadow,  within  gunshot  of  the  house,  and 
out  of  sight  of  the  sheriff ’6  men.  Thus  an  ambuscade 
was  formed  to  have  a crossfire  on  the  sheriff’s  men 
without  endangering  themselves,  and  to  be  ready 
against  the  sheriff  forced  the  door,  which  was  to  be 
known  by  hoisting  a red  flag  above  the  top  of  the 
chimney.  When  the  sheriff  approached,  all  were  si- 
lent : he  and  his  men  were  completely  within  the 
ambuscade  before  they  discovered  their  situation.  Mr. 
Ten  Eyck,  the  sheriff,  went  to  the  house  and  demanded 
entrance  as  the  sheriff  of  Albany  county,  and  threat- 
ened on  refusal  to  force  the  door.  The  answer  was 
‘ Attempt  it  and  you  are  dead  men.’  He  repeated  his 
demand  and  threat  without  using  any  force,  & received 
for  a second  answer  hideous  groans  from  within!  At 
this  time  the  two  divisions  exhibited  their  hats  on  the 
points  of  their  guns,  which  appeared  to  be  more  nu- 
merous than  they  really  were.  The  sheriff*  and  his 


* This  is  a.  small  work,  published  by  Allen  in  London,  in  1798.  It  is 
now  rarely  to  be  met  with. 


DEFENSIVE  MEASURES. 


155 


posse  seeing  their  dangerous  situation,  and  not  being 
interested  in  the  dispute,  made  a hasty  retreat,  so  that  a 
musket  was  not  fired  on  either  side,  which  gave  satis- 
faction to  and  cemented  the  union  of  the  inhabitants,  & 
raised  their  consequence  in  the  neighboring  provinces.” 

Although  the  New-York  claimants  had  been  foiled  in 
their  attempts  to  execute  their  writs  of  possession,  they 
did  not  abandon  their  determination  to  substantiate 
their  claims  by  other  means.  Finding  that  the  militia 
of  Albany  county  could  not  be  relied  upon  to  act 
effectually  against  the  settlers,  they  sought  to  accom- 
plish their  object  by  less  direct  means.  The  old  prac- 
tice of  indictment  for  riots  was  again  resorted  to ; 
favorable  offers  of  titles  under  Flew  York  were  made 
to  prominent  individuals  residing  on  the  grants  ; offices 
were  conferred  on  others  ; and  persons  from  New  York 
were  encouraged  to  make  settlements  on  unoccupied 
lands  which  had  been  granted  by  New  Hampshire. 
By  these  means  it  was  hoped  divisions  would  be  created 
among  the  people,  and  the  New-York  interest  so  much 
strengthened  as  to  secure  its  predominance.  In  order 
effectually  to  resist  these  movements  of  the  New-York 
authorities,  committees  of  safety  were  appointed  by 
the  several  towns  west  of  the  Green  Mountains,  who 
met  in  convention,  passed  resolutions,  and  adopted 
regulations  which  had  the  potency  of  laws  with  their 
constituents.  It  was  decreed,  among  other  things,  that 
no  officer  of  New  York  should  convey  any  person  from 
the  New-Hampshire  Grants  without  permission  of  the 
committee  of  safety ; and  that  no  surveys  should  be 
made,  or  settlements  attempted  by  people  from  New 
York,  upon  any  portion  of  the  territory  originally  in 
dispute  between  New  York  and- New  Hampshire  For 


15(3  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

a violation  of  this  law,  the  offender  was  to  be  punished 
according  to  the.judgment  of  the  committees  of  safety, 
or  ‘‘the  ideas  of  the  people.”  Nevertheless,  the  cbil 
officers  of  New  York  were  to  be  allowed  the  exercise 
of  their  proper  functions  in  the  collection  of  debts,  and 
also  in  other  matters  not  connected  with  the  controversy 
in  regard  to  lands.  That  a force  might  be  ready  to  act 
in  any  emergency,  a military  association  was  formed, 
of  which  Ethan  Allen  was  appointed  commandant, 
with  the  title  of  colonel,  and  Seth  Warner,  Remember 
Baker,  Robert  Cockrane,  Gideon  Warner,  and  some 
others  were  appointed  captains.  The  men  were  armed, 
and  occasionally  met  for  military  exercise.  John 
Munro,  in  a letter  to  Governor  Tryon,  stated  that  “ the 
rioters  had  established  a company  at  Bennington,  com- 
manded by  Captain  Warner — and  that  on  New  Year’s 
day  (1772)  his  company  was  reviewed  and  continued 
all  day  in  military  exercise  and  firing  at  marks.” 

In  pursuance  of  the  policy  heretofore  mentioned,  the 
grantees  made  attempts  to  establish  settlements  on  the 
western  borders  of  the  grants.  Whenever  this  was 
done,  Ethan  Allen,  at  the  head  of  a detachment  of  the 
“Green-Mountain  Boys,”  as  the  men  under  his  com- 
mand were  called,  promptly  met  the  intruders  and 
drove  them  off.  The  New-York  sheriffs  continued  to 
be  pursued  with  unremitting  eagerness,  whenever  they 
dared  to  set  their  feet  on  the  forbidden  ground.  With 
these  various  affairs  on  his  hands,  it  will  readily  be 
imagined  that  the  commander  of  the  Green-Mountain 
Boys  was  not  idle ; nor  was  it  surprising  that  he  should 
attract  the  particular  notice  of  the  New-York  govern- 
ment. So  many  complaints  were  made  of  the  riotous 


ALLEN  S PROCLAMATION. 


157 


and  disorderly  proceedings  of  his  volunteers  and  as- 
sociates ; such  was  the  indignation  of  the  New-York 
party  on  account  of  the  harsh  measures  adopted  by  them 
toward  the  persons  whom  they  seized  as  trespassers 
upon  their  property  ; and  so  entirely  did  they  set  at 
defiance  the  laws  of  New  York,  to  which  their  oppo- 
nents accounted  them  amenable,  that  the  governor 
was  tempted  to  try  the  virtue  of  another  proclamation, 
in  which  he  branded  the  deed  of  dispossessing  a New- 
York  settler  with  the  opprobrious  name  of  felony,  and 
offered  a reward  of  twenty  pounds  to  any  person  who 
would  apprehend  and  secure  Allen,  or  either  of  eight 
other  persons  connected  with  him,  and  mentioned  by 
name. 

Whether  this  proclamation  was  thought  too  mild  in 
its  terms,  or  whether  new  outrages  had  added  to  the 
enormity  of  the  offense,  it  is  not  easy  to  decide ; but 
another  was  promulgated,  enlarging  the  bounty  for 
Allen  to  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds,  and  for  Seth 
Warner  and  five  others  to  fifty  pounds  each.  Not  to 
be  outdone  by  the  authority  of  New  York  in  exercising 
the  prerogatives  of  sovereignty,  Colonel  Allen  and  his 
friends  sent  out  a counter-proclamation,*  offering  a 

* Advertisement.  £25  Reward.  Whereas  James  Duane  and  John 
Kempe  of  New  York,  have  by  their  menaces  and  threats  greatly  dis- 
turbed the  public  Peace  and  Repose  of  the  honest  Peasants  of  Benning- 
ton and  the  settlements  to  the  Northward,  which  Peasants  are  now,  and 
ever  have  been  in  the  Peace  of  God  <t  the  King,  and  are  patriotic  and 
liege  subjects  of  George  the  Third, — Any  person  that  will  apprehend 
those  common  disturbers,  viz.,  James  Duane  and  John  Kempe,  and  bring 
them  to  Landlord  Fays  at  Bennington,  shall  have  £15  Reward  for  James 

Duane,  and  £10  for  John  Kempe,  paid  by  Ethan  Allen, 

Remember  Baker, 

Dated  at  Poultney,  Feb.  5th  1772.  Robert  Cockrane. 


158  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

reward  for  the  apprehension  of  the  persons  who  had 
become  most  obnoxious  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  New- 
Hampshire  Grants.  Notwithstanding  the  frequency 
of  proclamations,  it  is  believed  that  no  person  was 
apprehended  in  consequence  of  them,  which  is  a proof 
that  the  people  of  the  parts  of  New  York  adjoining 
the  New-Hampshire  grants  were  more  favorable  to 
the  settlers  than  were  prominent  men  of  the  colony ; 
otherwise,  the  allurement  of  the  reward  would  have 
induced  combinations  for  seizing  individual  offenders, 
particularly  as  the  people  were  required  by  law  to 
assist  the  sheriff  in  the  execution  of  his  office.  Allen 
never  denied  that  the  conduct  of  himself  and  his 
mountaineers,  interpreted  by  the  laws  of  New  York, 
or  the  laws  of  any  well-ordered  society,  was  properly 
called  riotous  ; but  he  contended  that  they  were  driven 
to  this  extremity  by  the  oppression  of  their  stronger 
neighbors  ; that  no  other  means  were  left  by  which  they 
could  defend  their  property ; and  that,  under  such  cir- 
cumstances, they  were  perfectly  justified  in  resorting  to 
these  means.  They  encroached  not  upon  the  posses- 
sions of  other  people ; they  remained  on  their  own  soil ; 
and,  if  riots  existed,  they  were  caused  by  those  who 
came  among  them  for  molestation  and  injury.  View- 
ing things  in  this  light,  he  thought  'it  hard,  and  with 
reason,  that  he  should  first  be  called  a rioter,  then  a 
criminal  rioter,  and  last  of  all  be  denounced  to  the 
world  as  a felon,  with  a price  set  upon  his  liberty,  and 
threats  of  condign  punishment  if  he  should  be  taken.* 
But  Allen,  who  was  brave  even  to  rashness,  was  in 
no  degree  intimidated  by  the  reward  offered  for  his 

• See  Sparks’  Life  of  Ethan  Allen. 


DARING  OF  COLONEL  ALLEN. 


159 


apprehension,  and  this  he  designed  that  those  who  had 
advised  that  measure  should  fully  understand.  Much 
anxiety  was  felt  by  his  friends  for  his  safety,  on  account 
of  the  many . opportunities  which  his  indifference  to 
danger  afforded  for  arresting  him.  Allen,  however, 
laughed  at  their  fears,  and  offered  a bet  that  he  would 
proceed  to  Albany,  alight  at  the  most  prominent  house 
entertainment,  drink  a bowl  of  punch,  and  finally 
escape  unharmed.  This  was  accepted.  Having  made 
the  necessary  arrangements,  Allen  proceeded  to  Albany, 
and,  after  deliberately  alighting  from  his  horse,  and 
entering  the  house  with  a haughty  air,  called  for  a 
bowl  of  punch,  according  to  the  terms  of  his  bet.  The 
intelligence  that  “Ethan  Allen  was  in  the  city,”  spread 
rapidly,  and  a large  concourse  of  people  collected 
around  the  house,  among  whom  was  the  sheriff  of 
Albany  county.  Allen  was  wholly  unmoved.  Having 
finished  his  punch,  he  went  to  the  door,  mounted  his 
horse,  and  giving  a hearty  “Huzza  for  the  Green 
Mountains,”  departed  unharmed.  Those  who  were 
disposed  to  arrest  him  felt  that  the  enterprise  would 
not  be  unaccompanied  with  danger. 

On  another  occasion,  Allen’s  temerity  very  nearly 
proved  his  ruin.  While  traveling  upon  the  shores  of 
Lake  Champlain,  opposite  Crown  Point,  with  a single 
companion,  he  stopped  at  the  house  of  a Mr.  Richards. 
It  happened  that,  at  the  same  titne,  a party  of  six  sol- 
diers from  the  neighboring  fortress,  fully  armed,  were 
at  the  house,  with  the  intention  of  remaining  during 
the  night.  Knowing  Allen,  they  determined  on  arrest- 
ing him,  and  obtaining  the  tempting  reward  offered  by 
the  government  of  Hew  York  for  his  apprehension. 


160  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GHEEN -MOUNTAIN  HEEOE8. 

Mrs.  Richards  overheard  their  conversation,  and  when 
lighting  Allen  and  his  companion  to  their  room,  in- 
formed them  of  the  design  of  the  soldiers ; and  silently 
raising  a window,  advised  them  to  escape.  When  the 
soldiers  discovered  that  Allen  had  left  the  house,  they 
threatened  Mrs.  Richards  with  punishment,  for  con- 
niving at  the  escape  of  the  heroic  leader  of  the  Green- 
Mountain  Boys ; but  she  apologized,  on  the  ground 
that  if  she  had  failed  to  do  so,  the  people  would  have 
torn  down  her  house,  and  driven  herself  and  family 
from  their  possessions. 

John  Munro,  who  has  been  heretofore  mentioned  as 
an  active  and  determined  partisan  of  New  York,  in 
the  hope  of  receiving  the  reward  offered  by  Governor 
Tryon,  and  to  enjoy  the  honor  which  would  attend  the 
success  of  such  an  undertaking,  resolved  on  capturing 
and  carrying  to  Albany  one  of  the  persons  who  had 
been  outlawed  by  the  proclamation.  He  accordingly 
assembled  ten  or  twelve  of  his  friends  and  dependents, 
and,  on  the  morning  of  March  22d,  1772,  before  day- 
light, surrounded  the  house  of  Remember  Baker,  of 
Arlington,  for  the  purpose  of  arresting  him.  Armed 
with  swords  and  pistols,  they  burst  open  the  door  and 
entered  the  house.  Baker  was  severely  wounded  upon 
the  head  and  arm  by  a sword.  His  wife,  and  a son 
about  twelve  years  of  age,  were  also  treated  with  great 
inhumanity,  the  one  being  wounded  upon  the  head  and 
neck  by  the  blow  of  a sword,  and  the  other  receiving 
a dangerous  cut  upon  his  arm.  Baker,  being  over- 
powered by  numbers,  was  bound,  thrown  bleeding  into 
a sleigh,  and  driven  rapidly  toward  Albany.  The  alarm 
was  spread  with  great  rapidity,  and  in  a short  time  ten 


REMEMBER  BAKER. 


161 


well-armed  men  mounted  their  horses,  and  started  in 
pursuit  of  the  captors.  Others,  as  speedily  as  prepara- 
tions could  be  made,  hastened  to  their  assistance.  As 
Munro,  with  his  prisoner,  reached  the  Hudson  river, 
the  party  in  pursuit  also  arrived  at  the  ferry.  Munro 
and  his  party  abandoned  their  prisoner  and  fled. 
Captain  Baker,  who  was  nearly  exhausted  from  loss 
of  blood,  needed  the  immediate  care  of  his  hardy 
friends.  They  dressed  his  wounds,  and  carried  hinc. 
back  to  his  family,  to  the  extreme  joy  of  the  entire 
community.  Munro,  in  the  report  of  this  transaction 
to  the  governor  of  Hew  York,  represented 'the  conflict 
at  Baker’s  house  as  a very  desperate  one,  and  said  “ he 
had  reason  to  be  thankful  to  divine  Providence,  for  the 
preservation  of  his  life,  and  that  of  the  whole  party.” 
An  account  of  the  scene,  written,  as  it  was  understood, 
by  Ethan  Allen,  was  published  in  the  Connecticut 
Courant,  of  June  9,  1772,  with  the  ensuing  title : “The 
following  contains  a true  narrative  of  the  sufferings 
and  abuses  received  by  Mr.  Kemember  Baker,  his  Wife 
and  Family,  on  the  22d  day  of  March,  A.  D.  1772, 
at  his  own  dwelling-house  in  Arlington,  and  on  the 
lands  granted  by  his  late  Excellency  Benning  Went- 
worth, Esq.,  late  Governor  of  the  Province  of  Hew 
Hampshire.”  * 

“This  wicked,  inhuman,  most  barbarous,  infamous, 
cruel,  villainous  and  thievish  Act  was  perpetrated, 
committed,  and  carried  into  execution  by  one  John 
Munro,  a reputed  Justice  of  the  Peace,  living  near  that 
place,  with  a number  of  ruffians,  his  neighbors  — who, 

* This  curious  document,  the  style  of  which  was  well  suited  to  the 
leelings  and  comprehension  of  the  uneducated  Green -Mountain  Boys.  i» 
republished  verbatim. 


162  ETIIAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN -MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

after  a Lords  day  consultation  in  plotting  this  wicked 
and  horrid  design,  surprised  the  said  Baker  in  his  said 
dwelling-house,  about  the  first  appearance  of  morning 
light,  on  the  said  22d  day  of  March,  and,  after  making 
an  attempt  to  discharge  their  fire-arms  through  the 
said  Baker’s  house,  and  finding  their  fire-arms  missing 
fire,  said  Munro  with  his  attendants,  did  with  axes 
forcibly  break  and  enter  the  said  Baker’s  house,  and 
with  weapons  of  death,  spread  destruction  round  the 
room,  cutting  with  swords  and  bruising  with  fire-arms 
and  clubs  men  women  and  children,  swearing  by  — * 
he  would  have  Baker  dead  or  alive,  and  that  he  would 
burn  the  house,  Baker  Wife  & Children  and  all  the 
effects,  and  to  compass  and  bring  this  villainous  scheme 
into  execution,  did  with  his  own  wicked  and  rebellious 
hand  convey  fire  from  the  hearth  in  the  said  house  to 
a cupboard  in  the  room,  it  being  the  most  convenient 
place  to  answer  his  intentions,  when  all  on  a sudden, 
as  quick  as  a flash,  a Judas  spirit,  that  of  gain  and 
plunder,  overballanced  his  wicked  noddle.  This  being 
agreed  on,  he  instantly  thrust  his  sword  at  Mrs.  Baker 
with  an  intention  to  have  ended  at  that  instant  her  life 
(as  he  has  since  confessed)  when  her  right  arm,  near 
her  elbow  joint,  for  that  time,  happily  preserved  her 
from  the  intended  murder.  Others,  in  the  mean  time, 
his  attendants,  were  mauling  and  beating  and  bruising 
his  children.  Mr.  Baker,  having  at  that  time  posted 
himself  in  his  Chamber  for  the  better  security  of  him- 
self, family  and  effects,  finding  their  malice  oaths  and 
imprecations  principally  levelled  at  his  person,  thought 
most  proper  to  leave  his  chamber,  thinking  thereby  to 
draw  the  murderers  after  him  and  so  give  his  family 
in  their  wounded  circumstances  a better  opportunity 
to  save  themselves  from  impending  ruin  and  utter  de- 
struction, accordingly  burst  a board  from  the  gable  end 
of  the  house  and  leaped  out  of  the  window  he  had  by 
that  means  made,  when  part  of  the  ruffians,  by  the 

* Wherever  oaths  occur  in  the  original  narrative  of  the  assault  upon 
Mr.  Baker,  as  well  as  other  documents  republished  in  these  pages,  their 
place  will  be  supplied  with  a dash. 


REMEMBER  BAKER. 


163 


said  Justice’s  command,  were  ordered  (after  firing  on 

said  Baker,  and  saying  three  times  successively, 

him  he  is  dead)  to  set  on  him  a large  spiteful  wilful 
and  very  malicious  dog,  educated  and  brought  up 
agreeable  to  their  own  forms  and  customs  who  being 
’ like  those  other  servants  of  the  devil  at  that  time  all 
obedience,  seized  the  said  Baker,  and  being  instantly 
joined  by  those  his  cruel  partners,  bound  and  pinioned 
him  so  fast  that  he  was  unable  to  use  or  make  even  the 
least  resistance  in  defence  of  himself,  his  unhappy 
wounded  wife,  or  his  poor  helpless  distressed  children. 

“And  not  being  as  yet  satisfied  with  their  own  un- 
lawful proceedings,  and  their  thirst  for  blood  not  being 
quenched,  the  better  to  enhance  & increase  their  horrid 
crime  and  procure  a fell  draught  of  human  blood,  to 
quench  their  unnatural  thirst,  did  convey  the  said 
Baker  to  the  carriage  in  which  they  rode ; where  in 
his  confined  state,  the  said  John  did  with  his  attend- 
ants, Tomahawk,  cut  and  slash  in  spots,  that  their  eyes 
might  see  a life  languish  out  by  degrees  in  streams  of 

blood,  while  they  did  with  a at  almost  every 

breath,  laugh  him  in  the  face,  to  express  their  satisfac- 
tion in  his  agonizing  groans. 

“In  this  awful  and  lamentable  situation,  almost  on 
the  v£rge  of  eternity,  by  means  of  the  bruises,  cuts, 
and  great  effusion  of  blood,  said  Baker  with  a voice 
according  to  his  strength,  called  for  his  clothes  as  he 
was  yet  naked  from  his  bed,  who  was  denied  them  by 
the  said  Justice,  which  after  several  strokes  with  hie 
naked  sword  over  said  Baker’s  naked  face  and  eyes 
and  breaking  the  same  in  three  pieces  and  gave  him 

this  reflection,  that him  he  would  cloatb 

him  as  a traitor ; which  aggravating 

threats,  gave  them  a new  sip  to  their  beloved  re- 
venge.— Thus  they  continued  him  in  his  naked  jour- 
ney, for  the  space  of  four  miles  and  a half,  with  many 
cruel  words,  and  hard  blows  stopping  his  breath  with 
handkerchiefs,  till  almost  suffocated,  lest  he  should 
apply  to  some  person  for  relief. 

“The  said  Justice  and  attendants  had  taken  what  of 
the  effects  belonged  to  the  house,  he  and  they  thought 


164  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

worthy  their  present  affrighted  notice ; although  they 
would  in  probability  have  been  more  faithful  in  the 
prosecution  of  self  and  worldly  gain,  had  not  they 
have  feared  a surprise  in  so  unchristian  an  act. — They 
pursued  their  journey  with  severe  words  and  cruel 
threats  as  though  resolved  to  take  a full  swing  and 
make  an  ample  feast  of  human  cruelty,  until  pursued 
by  three  persons  loyal  and  faithful  subjects  to  the 
Crown  of  Great  Britain,  whose  banner  they  mean  ever 
more  to  live  and  die  under,  and,  after  inquiring  for  the 
preservation  of  the  life  of  said  Baker,  were  immediately 
fired  on  by  several  of  Munro’s  party  and  robbed  of 
what  interest  he  had  with  him,  to  the  value  of  forty 
dollars,  as  a fresh  sip  and  recruit  to  their  hellish  de- 
mand. These  distressing  tidings  being  soon  spread  on 
the  premises,  enhanced  the  innocent  inhabitants,  and 
for  the  preservation  of  Baker  his  family  & their  own 
persons,  families  and  effects,  some  of  them  did  pursue 
the  said  carriage  about  thirty  miles,  and  when  said 
John  with  his  attendants,  being  savage  like,  conscience 
struck  and  condemned,  run  and  hid  themselves  so  pri- 
vate that  it  is  not  known  by  his  or  their  acquaintances 
where  they  have  been  ever  since  ; leaving  the  said 
Baker  with  very  little  remains  of  life,  unable  to  fight 
for  himself,  who  willingly  in  his  capacity  accepted  of 
mercy,  which  he  had  been  so  long  a stranger  to. 

“The  foregoing  contains  but  a very  short,  though 
true  account  of  the  barbarous  conduct  of  the  said  John 
towards  the  said  Baker  and  family,  and  such  conduct 
exercised  by  a pretended  civil  magistrate,  or  such  a 
magistrate  rather  must  be  dishonorable,  a reproach, 
shame,  disgrace  &c.  on  the  laws,  restrictions,  regula- 
tions, peace,  manners,  good  order  and  economy,  both 
of  the  Laws  of  God  and  Man.  The  above  and  much 
more  can  be  attested  with  good  authority,  as  many 
worthy  persons  were  eye  witnesses  of  the  said  tragedy. 
The  robbery  has  since  been  confessed  by  the  said  Justice 
and  he  has  promised  to  make  amends.” 

But  to  return  to  the  spring  of  ITT  2.  The  attack 
upon  Captain  Baker,  as  might  have  been  anticipated, 


ATTEMPT  TO  ARREST  WARNER. 


165 


produced  a strong  feeling  of  indignation  among  his 
friends  and  partisans.  This  was  still  further  increased 
by  a subsequent  attempt  of  Munro  to  arrest  Captain 
Seth  Warner.  The  latter,  with  a single  friend,  was 
riding  op  horseback  in  the  vicinity  of  Munro’s  resi- 
dence. Munro,  with  several  of  his  dependents,  met 
them,  and  entered  into  conversation.  Suddenly,  Munro 
seized  the  bridle  of  Warner’s  horse,  and  commanded 
those  present  to  aid  in  his  arrest.  Warner,  after  advis- 
ing the  New- York  magistrate  to  desist,  struck  him  over 
the  head  with  his  cutlass  so  powerfully,  that  he  fell  to 
the  ground  insensible.  The  spectators,  intimidated  by 
this  energetic  action,  made  no  attempt  to  interfere  ; and 
Warner  rode  off,  without  further  molestation.  Munro 
received  no  permanent  injury,  and  speedily  recovered. 
He  wrote  to  the  governor,  however,  giving  a most 
dismal  account  of  the  state  of  affairs  in  his  vicinity  ; 
stating,  among  other  things,  that  the  “ rioters,”  by  their 
number  and  boldness,  were  “striking  terror  into  the 
whole  country — that  he  was  in  a continual  fear  of 
them,  as  he  could  not  find  a single  magistrate  or 
officer  that  would  speak  or  act  against  them  — that  he 
was  almost  worn  out  with  watching,  and  that  nothing 
but  the  most  vigorous  measures  for  the  defense  of  his 
property,  would  save  it  from  destruction.” 

It  now  became  the  fixed  determination  of  the  set- 
tlers, at  all  hazards,  to  maintain  their  position  by  ex- 
pelling from  the  New-Hampshire  Grants  every  person 
who  should  attempt  to  act  under  the  authority  of  the 
New-York  claimants.  While  the  feelings  of  the  peo- 
ple were  highly  exasperated  by  the  occurrences  which 
have  been  narrated,  intelligence  reached  Bennington 


166  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

that  Governor  Tryon  was  ascending  the  Hudson,  with 
a body  of  British  troops,  who  were  on  the  way  to  sub- 
due the  refractory  Green-Mountain  Boys.  This  news 
was  the  more  readily  credited,  as  the  royal  troops  had 
recently  been  employed  at  “Bateman’s  Patent,”  in  the 
colony  of  Hew  York,  to  quell  an  insurrection  founded 
on  a dispute  in  regard  to  the  title  or  rents  of  lands ; 
and  it  was  also  known  that  the  New-York  claimants  to 
the  Hew-Hampshire  Grants,  had  applied  to  the  gover- 
nor to  send  the  troops  of  the  regular  army  against  the 
Green-Mountain  Boys.  The  report  of  the  approach  of 
Governor  Tryon  at  first  produced  alarm.  The  com- 
mittees of  safety,  with  the  military  officers,  met  in  con- 
vention, to  consult  on  the  measures  proper  to  be  taken. 
Their  perilous  situation  was  anxiously  discussed,  and 
on  full  consideration  it  was  finally  resolved,  that  “ it 
was  their  duty  to  oppose  Governor  Tryon  and  his 
troops  to  the  utmost  of  their  power.”  This  resolution 
being  taken,  every  practical  measure  was  adopted  to 
make  their  resistance  effectual.  Two  pieces  of  cannon 
and  a mortar  were  procured  from  Fort  Hoosic  and 
taken  to  Bennington,  and  a general  rally  of  all  persons 
capable  of  bearing  arms  was  instituted.  A plan  of  op- 
erations was  devised,  by  which  a few  sharp-shooters 
were  to  be  stationed  in  a narrow  pass  on  the  road 
leading  from  Albany  to  Bennington,  who  were  to  re- 
main in  concealment,,  and  shoot  down  the  officers  as 
they  approached  with  their  troops.  The  same  marks- 
men were  then  to  return  through  the  woods,  and  join 
another  party  of  their  comrades  in  a similar  position, 
where  they  were  to  exercise  their  unerring  skill  in 
the  use  of  the  rifle,  and,  when  they  could  no  longer 


RENEWED  NEGOTIATIONS. 


167 


maintain  their  position,  retreat  to  the  main  body,  who 
would  be  prepared  to  receive  the  invading  troops,  dis- 
ordered and  dispirited  as  it  was  supposed  they  would  be 
by  the  loss  of  their  officers.  A trusty  person  was  dis- 
patched to  Albany,  with  instructions  to  await  the 
arrival  of  Governor  Tryon’s  army ; to  observe  the 
officers  particularly,  that  he  might  distinguish  them 
again ; and  to  ascertain  as  many  particulars  as  he 
should  be  able  in  regard  to  the  number  of  the  enemy, 
the  time  of  marching,  and  their  intended  movements. 
The  messenger  returned  with  the  welcome  information, 
that  the  troops  were  bound  for  Ticonderoga  and  Crown 
Point,  and  that  they  had  no  intention  of  marching 
toward  Bennington.  Although  the  people  were  hap- 
pily relieved  from  the  necessity  of  putting  their  valor 
to  the  test,  their  prompt  and  bold  preparations  for  the 
onset  were  a pledge  that  in  no  event  would  it  have 
terminated  in  their  dishonor.  The  increased  number 
of  troops  stationed  within  their  immediate  vicinity, 
could  have  no  other  effect  than  to  strengthen  their  ap- 
prehensions as  to  the  ultimate  designs  of  the  governor 
of  New  York. 

Information  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Green-Moun- 
tain Boys,  during  this  alarm,  soon  reached  the  gover- 
nor of  New  York,  in  letters  from  Munro,  and  also  from 
several  individuals,  who,  in  consequence  of  having  re- 
purchased their  lands  from  New  York,  had  excited  the 
animosity  of  their  neighbors,  and  deemed  it  prudent  to 
flee  to. Albany,  during  the  preparations  to  resist  Gov- 
ernor Try  on.  This  magistrate,  from  the  number  and 
determined  spirit  of  the  settlers,  as  indicated  during 
their  apprehension  of  an  invasion,  seems  to  have  been 


168  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

impressed  with  the  difficulty  of  subduing  them  by  force, 
and  to  have  come  to  the  determination  of  trying  what 
could  be  done  by  negotiation.  He  accordingly  pre- 
pared a letter,  addressed  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dewey  and 
other  principal  inhabitants  of  Bennington,  in  which,  af- 
ter censuring  the  illegality  of  their  conduct,  he  expressed 
a strong  desire  to  do  them  justice,  and  invited  them  to 
send  a deputation  of  such  persons  as  they  might  choose, 
to  lay  before  him  a full  statement  of  their  grievances, 
and  the  reasons  for  their  resistance  to  his  authority. 
“That  there  may  be  no  obstruction,”  continued  the  gov- 
ernor, “ to  your  laying  before  me,  in  council,  as  soon  as 
possible,  a fair  representation  of  your  conduct,  I do 
hereby  engage  full  security  and  protection  to  any  per- 
sons whom  you  shall  choose  to  send  on  this  business 
to  Hew  York,  from  the  time  they  leave  their  homes  to 
the  time  of  their  return,  except  Robert  Cockrane,  as 
also  Allen,  Baker  and  Sevil,  mentioned  in  my  procla- 
mation of  the  10th  of  December  last,  and  Seth  Warner, 
whose  audacious  behavior  to  a civil  magistrate  has 
subjected  him  to  the  penalties  of  the  laws  of  his 
country.” 

This  letter  was  duly  delivered  to  the  occupants  of 
the  Hew-Hampshire  Grants  by  the  sheriff  of  Albany 
county.  On  receiving  this  invitation  to  negotiate,  the 
people  of  Bennington  and  the  neighboring  towns  as- 
sembled by  their  committees,  took  the  subject  into  con- 
sideration, and  promptly  acceded  to  the  proposal.  They 
returned  a firm  and  respectful  answer  to  Governor 
Tryon,  detailing  the  oppressions  which  they  had  suf- 
fered, and  urging  him  to  discontinue  all  violent  pro- 
ceedings against  them,  until  a full  representation  of 


allen’s  vindication. 


169 


the  matter  could  be  made  to  the  king,  and  his  full  de- 
cision of  all  the  points  involved  in  the  controversy 
could  be  obtained.  Captain  Stephen  Fay,  with  his 
son,  Dr.  Jonas  Fay,  were  appointed  delegates  to  return 
this  answer  to  Governor  Tryon,  with  authority  to  ‘make 
particular  explanations,  in  case  that  functionary  should 
wish  them  to  do  so. 

Neither  was  the  opportunity  to  be  passed  over  by 
Allen  and  his  proscribed  friends,  of  vindicating  them- 
selves against  the  aspersions  cast  upon  them  by  their 
enemies,  and  the  stigma  of  being  pointed  out  to  the 
world  as  rioters,  abettors  of  mobs,  and  felons.  They 
sent  a joint  dispatch  to  Governor  Tryon,  in  the  nature 
of  a protest  against  the  treatment  they  had  received, 
and  in  justification  of  their  motives  and  acts.  Allen 
was  again  the  penman  for  his  brethren  ; and,  consider- 
ing their  provocations,  and  the  degree  of  excitement 
to  which  they  had  been  wrought  up,  their  remonstrance 
was  clothed  in  language  sufficiently  respectful  — breath- 
ing the  spirit  of  men  conscious  of  their  dignity,  and 
resolute  in  the  defense  of  their*  rights,  but  ready  to 
meet  the  awards  of  justice,  and  abide  by  the  decision 
of  a fair  and  impartial  tribunal.*  Some  of  their  ar- 
guments are  put  in  a forcible  manner.  “If  we  do  not 
oppose  the  sheriff  and  his  posse,”  say  they,  “he  takes 
immediate  possession  of  our  houses  and  farms ; and 
when  others  oppose  officers  in  taking  their  friends  so 
indicted,  they  are  also  indicted,  and  so  on,  there  being 
no  end  of  indictments  against  us,  so  long  as  we  act  the 
bold  and  manly  part,  and  stand  by  our  liberty.  And 
it  comes  to  this  at  last : that  we  must  tamely  be  dispos- 

* See  Life  of  Ethan  Allen,  by  Jared  Sparks. 

8 


170  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

sessed,  or  oppose  officers  in  taking  possession  ; and  as  a 
next  necessary  step,  to  oppose  the  taking  of  rioters,  so 
called,  or  run  away  like  so  many  cowards,  and  quit 
the  country  to  a number  of  cringing,  polite  gentlemen, 
who  have  ideally  possessed  themselves  of  it  already.” 
Again : “ Though  they  style  us  rioters  for  opposing 
them,  and  seek  to  catch  and  punish  us  as  such,  yet  in 
reality  themselves  are  the  rioters,  the  tumultuous,  dis- 
orderly, stimulating  faction,  or  in  fine  the  land-jobbers  ; 
and  every  violent  act  they  have  done  to  compass  their 
designs,  though  ever  so  much  under  pretense  of  law, 
is  in  reality  a violation  of  law,  and  an  insult  to  the 
constitution  and  authority  of  the  crown,  as  well  as 
to  many  of  us  in  person,  who  have  been  great  suf- 
ferers by  such  inhuman  exertions  of  pretended  law. 
Bight  and  wrong  are  eternally  the  same  to  all  periods 
of  time,  places  and  nations ; and  coloring  a crime  with 
a specious  pretense  of  law,  only  adds  to  the  criminality 
of  it,  for  it  subverts  the  very  design  of  law,  prostituting 
it  to  the  vilest  purposes.”  “We  beg  leave  to  observe,” 
says  Allen,  “that  as,  on  the  one  hand,  no  consideration 
whatever  shall  induce  us  to  remit,  in  the  least,  of  our 
loyalty  and  gratitude  to  our  most  gracious  sovereign, 
nor  of  a reasonable  submission  to  your  Excellency  ; so, 
on  the  other  hand,  no  tyrannical  exertions  of  the  powers 
of  the  government,  can  deter  us  from  asserting  and 
vindicating  our  undoubted  rights  and  privileges  as 
Englishmen.”  “Bo  person  or  persons,”  continues  the 
sturdy  patriot,  “can  be  supposed  to  be  under  any  par- 
ticular compact  or  law,  except  it  presupposeth,  that 
that  law  will  protect  such  person  or  persons  in  his  or 
theq*  properties ; for  otherwise  the  subject  would,  by 


CONCILIATORY  RECOMMENDATION. 


171 


law,  be  bound  to  be  accessory  to  his  own  ruin  and 
destruction,  which  is  inconsistent  with  the  law  of  self 
preservation ; but  this  law  being  natural  as  well  as 
eternal,  can  never  be  abrogated  by  the  law  of  men.” 
And  again : “The  transferring  or  alienation  of  property 
is  a sacred  prerogative  of  the  true  owner  — kings  and 
governors  cannot  intermeddle  therewith.”*  Had  kings 
and  governors,  in  those  days,  possessed  much  foresight, 
they  would  have  been  more  reluctant  to  drive  men 
like  Ethan  Allen  to  the  utterance  and  armed  main- 
tenance of  such  principles. 

Governor  Tryon  received  the  agents  who  were  the 
bearers  of  these  communications,  with  affability  and 
kindness.  He  invited  them  to  meet  with  his  council 
and  discuss  freely  the  subjects  in  dispute.  After- 
ward, a conflmittee  of  the  council  made  a report  to  the 
governor  respecting  the  controversy,  and  made  the  fol- 
lowing recommendations  : “The  committee  are  desirous 
your  Excellency  should  afford  the  inhabitants  of  those 
townships  all  the  relief  in  your  power,  by  suspending, 
till  his  Majesty’s  pleasure  shall  be  known,  all  prosecu- 
tions in  behalf  of  the  crown,  on  account  of  the  crimes 
with  which  they  stand  charged,  by  depositions  before 
us  ; and  to  recommend  it  to  the  owners  of  the  contested 
lands  under  grants  from  this  province,  to  put  a stop, 
during  the  same  period,  to  all  civil  suits  concerning 
the  lands  in  question.”  This  report  of  the  committee 
was  approved  by  the  governor  and  council,  and  with 
this  intelligence  the  Fa}7s  returned  to  their  constituents, 
and  were  hailed  as  the  harbingers  of  peace  and  joy. 

* This  letter  is  published  entire  in  Slade’s  Vermont  State  Papers  — a 
collection  of  historic  documents  of  great  interest. 


172  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

The  people  had  never  asked  for  more  than  was  implied 
in  these  terms,  being  well  persuaded  that,  however 
the  question  of  jurisdiction  might  be  settled,  the  king 
could  never  sanction  a course  of  proceeding  which 
would  deprive  them  of  their  property.  Gladness  was 
diffused  rapidly  throughout  the  cabins  of  the  remotest 
settlers.  A large  public  meeting  was  held  at  Benning- 
ton, where  the  minutes  of  the  governor’s  approval  of  a 
peaceful  policy  were  read  amid  loud  acclamations,  and 
for  the  moment,  the  memory  of  all  former  griefs  was 
swept  away  by  the  overflowing  tide  of  enthusiasm  in 
favor  of  Governor  Tryon.  The  following  account  of 
the  proceedings  of  this  meeting  was  sent  to  Albany 
by  the  Fays : 

“We,  as  messengers,  laid  before  the  above  committee 
an  extract  of  the  minutes  of  his  Majesty’s*  council  of 
the  province  of  New  York  of  the  2d  instant,  together 
with  his  Excellency  Governor  Tryon’s  letter  of  the 
same  date,  directed  to  the  inhabitants  of  Bennington, 
&c.,  and  after  reading  the  same,  the  above  committee 
and  a numerous  concourse  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
adjacent  country  and  other  spectators,  gave  a full  and 
unanimous  vote  in  favor  of  the  papers  aforesaid  ; and 
the  thanks  of  the  people  were  presented  to  us  for  our 
diligence  in  procuring  these  papers.  Peace  was  also 
recommended  on  the  whole  New  Hampshire  Grants, 
by  all  who  were  present ; when  the  whole  artillery  of 
Bennington,  with  the  small-arms,  were  several  times 
discharged  in  honor  of  the  governor  and  council  of 
New  York. — Health  to  the  king  — Health  to  Governor 
Tryon — Health  to  the  council  of  New  York — Uni- 
versal peace  and  plenty,  liberty  and  prosperity,  by 


QUARREL  RENEWED. 


173 


sundry  respectable  gentlemen,  some  of  whom  were 
from  neighboring  provinces.  Stephen  Fat, 

Jonas  Fay.” 

This  season  of  rejoicing  was  of  but  short  continuance. 
The  reconciliation  was  not  so  complete  as  the  people 
imagined.  The  seeds  of  contention  had  not  been 
eradicated,  and  it  was  but  a short  time  before  the 
former  animosity  between  the  Green-Mountain  Boys 
and  the  governor  of  New  York  resumed  its  wonted 
vigor.  The  conciliatory  resolve  of  the  governor  and 
council  contained  an  ambiguity  which  had  escaped  the 
notice  of  a people  eager  to  believe  that  they  were  to 
receive  .justice.  The  New-York  grantees  were  re- 
quested to  refrain  from  prosecuting  their  claims  until 
the  king’s  pleasure  could  be  known ; but  nothing  was 
sjaid  in  regard  to  suspending  executions  where  suits 
had  already  been  decided  in  their  favor.  There  was 
no  prohibition  of  their  claiming  possession  of  the  lands 
which  had  been  awarded  to  them  by  such  decisions, 
nor  were  they  required  to  desist  from  surveying  the 
lands  and  determining  their  situation  or  boundaries. 
Hence,  many  actual  sources  of  dissension  and  tumult 
still  remained  open.  Unfortunately,  an  act  of  violence 
on  the  part  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Grants,  hastened 
the  interruption  of  the  friendly  feeling  which  it  was 
hoped  had  been  established.  During  the  absence  of 
the  commissioners  in  New  York,  intelligence  was  re- 
ceived at  Bennington  that  Mr.  Kockburn,  a surveyor 
who  was  especially  odious  to  the  people,  was  busily 
engaged  in  some  of  the  northern  townships,  in  the 
survey  of  lands.  A small  party,  with  Colonel  Allen 
at  their  head,  went  in  pursuit  of  Mr.  Kockburn,  and 


174  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

succeeded  in  capturing  him  and  in  destroying  his  in- 
strumsnts.  He  was  taken  to  Castleton,  tried  by  a 
court-martial,  and  threatened  with  death  should  he 
ever  again  enter  the  interdicted  territory.  But  at  this 
juncture,  the.  result  of  the  mission  of  the  Fays  to  New 
York  was  learned,  and  Mr.  Kockburn  was  released, 
and  the  sentence  against  him  withdrawn.  During  the 
expedition  in  search  of  Mr.  Kockburn,  Ethan  Allen 
and  his  party  dispossessed  the  tenants  of  an  intruder 
in  New  Haven,  near  the  mouth  of  Otter  creek.  The 
charter  of  the  townships  had  been  granted  by  New 
Hampshire  in  1763,  and  as  early  as  1769,  a settlement 
was  commenced  under  the  charter,  and  a saw-mill 
erected.  Soon  afterward,  Colonel  Reid,  of  New  York, 
who  claimed  under  a subsequent  patent  from  that  prov- 
ince, forcibly  turned  out  the  New-Ilampshire  settlers 
and  put  his  own  tenants  in  possession.  They  erected 
additional  log-houses  and  a grist-mill.  Allen  gave  these 
persons  a short  time  to  remove  their  effects,  and  then 
burned  the  houses,  requiring  the  people  to  repurchase 
under  New  Hampshire,  or  leave  the  district.  Pang- 
burn,  the  former  proprietor,  was  put  in  possession  of 
his  saw-mill,  but  the  machinery  of  the  grist-mill  was 
destroyed.  Governor  Tryon,  on  hearing  of  these  ex- 
ploits, was  much  exasperated.  He  wrote  a letter  to 
the  inhabitants  of  the  Grants,  complaining  of  this  con- 
duct as  an  insult  to  the  government,  and  a violation 
of  public  faith.  This  letter  was  taken  into  consider- 
ation by  the  committees  of  the  several  townships, 
assembled  at  Manchester,  who  returned  a bold  and 
decisive,  though  conciliatory  answer.  They  asserted 
that  their  conduct  could  be  no  breach  of  faith,  because 


LETTER  TO  GOVERNOR  TRYON. 


175 


none  was  plighted  until  the  15th  of  July,  when  the 
proposition  of  Governor  Tryon  was  accepted  by  the 
people  in  convention  at  Bennington,  and  that  the 
transactions  complained  of  had  happened  before  that 
time;  that  if  there  had  been  any  violation  of  the 
compact,  the  New-York  claimants  had  been  the  ag- 
gressors in  undertaking  to  survey  and  occupy  the 
territory  in  dispute.  If  such  conduct,  contended  they, 
was  not  forbidden  by  the  agreement  proposed  by  Gov- 
ernor Tryon  and  accepted  by  the  people,  they  had 
wholly  misunderstood  the  character  of  his  proposition, 
and  had  been  deceived  in  regard  to  the  compact  which 
had  received  their  approval.  They  assured  him  that 
they  had  never  consented,  and  never  would  consent  to 
abandon  their  property  to  the  land  speculators  of  New 
York.  Although  the  forms  of  civility  were  retained 
in  the  correspondence,  it  was  evident  that  the  situa- 
tion of  the  people  was  precisely  what  it  had  been 
previous  to  any  attempt  at  negotiation.  Indeed,  as  is 
usual  in  cases  of  unsuccessful  efforts  at  reconciliation, 
the  animosity  of  the  parties  was  increased,  and  the 
prospect  of  a peaceful  termination  of  the  difficulties 
was  much  diminished. 

A meeting  of  deputies,  from  the  towns  on  the  west 
6ide  of  the  Green  Mountains,  was  held  at  Manchester, 
on  the  21st  of  October,  1772,  which  not  only  confirmed 
■all  previous  resolutions  to  resist  the  New-Yorkers,  but 
adopted  others  still  more  belligerent.  For  the  purpose 
of  strengthening  their  interest  on  the  Grants,  the  New- 
York  government  renewed  the  policy  of  appointing 
several  of  the  most  conspicuous  and  influential  settlers 
to  office.  In  some  instances  these  appointments  were 


176  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  0 KEEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

attended  with  the  anticipated  results,  and  the  individ- 
uals thus  distinguished  became  the  adherents  of  the 
government  by  which  they  had  been  honored.  To 
counteract  the  tendency  of  this  policy,  it  was  decreed 
by  the  convention,  that  no  person  residing  within  the 
limits  of  the  disputed  territory  should  hold  or  accept 
office  under  New  York.  On  conviction  before  a proper 
tribunal  of  Green-Mountain  Boys,  the  offender  was  to 
be  punished  at  the  discretion  of  the  “ court.”  The  pun- 
ishment under  this  decree,  which  continued  in  force 
for  several  years,  was  commonly  whipping  and  banish- 
ment— the  whipping  was  quaintly  denominated  “the 
application  of  the  leech-seal”  or,  as  Ethan  Allen 
sometimes  had  it,  “ a castigation  with  the  twigs  of  the 
wilderness.”  The  New-Hampshire  Grants  were  thus 
actually  separated  from  New  York,  and  thenceforward 
acted  as  an  independent  republic,  the  people  making 
and  administering  their  own  laws,  and  yielding  only  a 
nominal  allegiance  to  the  authority  of  the  British  crown. 
Indeed,  the  people  of  Bennington  seem  never  to  have 
fully  acknowledged  the  jurisdiction  of  New  York.  Un- 
til near  the  beginning  of  1770,  the  notifications  of  all 
town-meetings  were  usually  headed,  “Province  of  New 
Hampshire ; ” but  after  that  time  they  were  simply  en- 
titled “Town  of  Bennington,”  without  any  allusion  to 
the  province  in  which  it  was  situated.  This  was  con- 
tinued until  1778,  when  the  inhabitants  of  the  Grants 
formally  announced  their  independence,  and  adopted 
a written  constitution.  During  the  intermediate  pe- 
riod they  existed  as  a thorough  democracy ; all  laws 
and  regulations,  as  well  as  the  time  and  manner  ot 
their  enforcement  in  particular  instances,  being  decided 


THE  SCOTCH  EMIGRANTS. 


ITT 


upon  in  general  meetings  of  the  people.  The  conven* 
tion  at  Westminster,  it  is  true,  had  sent  Jehiel  Hawley 
and  James  Brackenridge  as  commissioners  to  London, 
to  seek  redress  of  their  grievances  from  the  governor 
of  Hew  York ; but  the  subject  of  taxing  the  colonies 
then  engrossed  the  entire  attention  of  the  home  gov- 
ernment, and  prevented  any  decisive  action  being 
taken  in  regard  to  the  matter. 

From  the  fall  of  1772  until  the  commencement  of 
the  Revolution,  the  controversy  with  Hew  York  was 
carried  on  with  increasing  vigor  and  animosity.  Its 
history  is  one  of  repeated  attempts  on  the  part  of  the 
Hew- York  authorities  to  take  possession  of  the  disputed 
lands ; of  indictments  against  the  occupants  of  the 
Hew-Hampshire  Grants  as  rioters  for  resisting  these 
attempts ; of  laws  and  proclamations  for  their  appre- 
hension and  punishment ; of  the  forcible  expulsion  of 
the  Hew- York  intruders ; and  of  the  arrest,  punishment 
or  banishment  of  persons  on  the  Grants  who  counte- 
nanced the  Hew-York  titles  or  jurisdiction.  Only  a 
few  of  the  most  important  incidents  of  this  period  need 
be  mentioned.  The  settlement  at  Hew-Haven  Falls, 
the  scene  of  Ethan  Allen’s  summary  manner  of  award- 
ing justice,  became  the  subject  of  further  difficulties. 
In  July,  1773,  Colonel  Reid,  who  then  resided  in  Hew 
YoVk,  induced  a number  of  Scotch  emigrants,  who  had 
recently  landed  in  that  city,  to  accompany  him  to  Hew 
Haven,  and  become  his  tenants  upon  the  lands  which 
he  claimed  under  a patent  from  Hew  York.  This 
party  took  immediate  possession  of  the  improve- 
ments— a second  time  expelling  the  Hew-Hampshire 
settlers.  Having  repaired  his  mills,-  Colonel  Reid 


178  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

returned  to  New  York,  leaving  the  Scotchmen  to  retain 
possession  of  the  premises  and  to  continue  the  im- 
provements. Intelligence  of  this  invasion  was  sent  to 
Bennington,  and  Allen,  Warner,  Baker  and  others  im- 
mediately repaired  to  the  scene  of  action,  and  forcibly 
reinstated  the  New-Hampshire  claimants.  The  ma- 
chinery of  the  flouring  mills  was  broken,  and  the 
miller  was  warned  not  to  repair  it,  uon  pain  of  suf- 
fering the  displeasure  of  the  Green-Mountain  Boys.” 
The  Scotchmen,  who  "were  accompanied  by  their  fam- 
ilies, on  being  informed  of  the  nature  of  the  contro- 
versy, declared  that  they  had  been  deceived  by  Colonel 
Beid,  removed  from  the  place,  and  finally  settled  near 
the  Mohawk  river.  To  prevent  further  intrusions, 
Allen  and  his  party  caused  a block-fort  to  be  erected 
at  the  place,  and  supplied  it  with  a small  garrison, 
which  thenceforward  afforded  full  protection  to  the 
people  in  that  vicinity.  A similar  fort  was  built  on 
the  Winooski,  amply  furnished  with  arms  and  ammu- 
nition. Further  defensive  measures  were  contemplated, 
and  an  agent  was  actually  sent  abroad  to  purchase  the 
necessary  munitions  of  war. 

In  consequence  of  information  received  at  New  York, 
of  these  and  other  occurrences  of  a similar  character, 
the  council  advised  Governor  Try  on,  “that  the  fre- 
quency of  riots  and  the  boldness  of  rioters  made  it  ne- 
cessary to  employ  a military  force and  unanimously 
requested  him  to  demand  of  General  Haldimand,  the 
commander  of  the  regular  forces,  “ a sufficient  number 
of  troops  to  occupy  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point,  to 
aid  the  magistrates  in  the  performance  of  their  duty/' 
This  requirement  was  made  by  the  governor,  but  was 


ALLEN  AND  THE  “ DUBHAMITES.”  179 

not  well  received  by  the  general,  who  did  not  appear 
to  be  convinced  of  the  propriety  of  assenting  to  the 
use  of  the  regular  troops  for  such  a purpose.  A volu- 
minous correspondence  ensued  between  the  two  officials, 
which  was  protracted  until  so  late  in  the  season  that 
it  became  impracticable  to  transfer  the  troops  to  the 
proposed  stations. 

The  town  of  Clarendon  and  its  vicinity  was  the  the- 
ater of  repeated  disturbances.  The  first  settlers  of  the 
town,  which  they  called  Durham,  had  purchased  from 
the  heirs  of  Lydius.  They  favored  the  claims  of  New 
York,  although  they  declined  to  repurchase  their  lands 
of  either  New  York  or  New  Hampshire.  Governor 
Tryon,  in  the  hope  of  obtaining  their  aid  against  the 
claimants  of  lands  under  New-Hampshire  grants,  ac- 
quiesced in  the  validity  of  their  title  from  the  heirs 
of  Lydius.  Some  of  their  principal  men  were  ap- 
pointed magistrates,  and  they  recognized  the  juris- 
diction of  New  York.  This  defection,  in  the  midst  of 
the  New-Hampshire  Grants,  gave  much  uneasiness  to 
the  Green-Mountain  Boys,  and  various  measures  were 
adopted  to  induce  the  “ Durhamites,”  as  they  were 
called,  to  recognize  the  validity  of  the  titles  from 
Governor  Wentworth.  In  order  either  to  terrify  or 
force  them  into  a compliance  with  the  views  of  the 
Green-Mountain  Boys,  Allen  and  Baker,  with  one 
hundred  armed  men,  marched  to  Clarendon  in  the 
autumn  of  1773.  The  persons  against  whom  the  ex- 
pedition was  chiefly  undertaken,  having  notice  of  the 
approach  of  the  hostile  force,  effected  their  escape. 
Allen  and  his  party  remained  in  the  town  several 
days,  “ visiting  the  inhabitants,  and  exhorting  them  to 


180  ETHAN  AbLEN  AND  jJREEN -MOUNTAIN  HEKOES. 

repent  of  their  New- York  attachments.”  After  com* 
mitting  several  acts  of  violence,  and  threatening  still 
severer  measures  should  their  requirements  be  disre- 
garded, they  returned  to  their  homes.  The  persons 
who  had  fled  from  Clarendon  proceeded  to  New  York, 
and  placed  before  the  governor  and  council  a full 
statement  of  the  alledged  outrages  of  Allen  and  his 
pajrty,  which  they  denominated  “ the  Bennington  mob.” 
In  the  winter  of  1774,  the  New- York  grantees  com- 
bined their  influence,  and  applied  to  the  assembly  for 
legislative  aid  against  the  Green-Mountain  Boys.  The 
result  was  a law  purporting  to  be  an  act  for  the  pre- 
vention of  tumultuous  and  riotous  assemblies,  and  the 
punishment  of  rioters,  which  may  safely  be  pronounced 
to  be  one  of  the  most  extraordinary  specimens  of  leg 
islative  despotism  that  ever  disgraced  a statute-book. 
After  naming  Ethan  Allen,  Seth  Warner,  Remember 
Baker,  Robert  Cockrane,  Peleg  Sunderland,  Silvanus 
Brown,  James.  Brackenridge,  and  John  Smith  as  the 
principal  leaders  in  the  riots,  the  law  empowered  the 
governor  and  council  to  issue  a proclamation  requiring 
those  persons,  or  any  others  who  should  be  indicted  for 
a similar  offense,  (that  of  resisting  the  sheriff,)  to  sur- 
render themselves  for  commitment  to  any  justice  of 
the  peace,  within  seventy  days  from  the  date  of  such 
requirement ; and  in  case  this  summons  should  be  dis- 
obeyed, the  person  neglecting  to  surrender  himself  was 
to  be  “adjudged  and  deemed”  convicted,  and  to  suffer 
death  without  further  trial ; and  the  supreme  court 
was  authorized  to  pass  a judicial  sentence  in  the  same 
manner  as  if  an  actua  trial  had  been  had,  and  a ver- 
dict of  guilty  duly  rendered!  This  law  was  enacted 


181 


THE  “BLOODY  LAW.” 

on  the  9th  of  March,  1774,  and  on  the  same  day  the 
governor,  never  weary  of  offering  rewards  for  the  ap- 
prehension of  Allen  and  his  associates,  issued  a proc- 
lamation promising  a reward  of  one  hundred  pounds 
for  the  arrest  of  Ethan  Allen,  and  fifty  pounds  for 
either  of  the  other  persons  accused  as  “ the  principal 
ringleaders  of  the  Bennington  mob.”  The  purpose  of 
these  proceedings  was  to  inflict  a punishment  so  severe 
upon  these  persons,  as  would  overawe  the  opposition 
to  the  authority  of  New  York.  The  effect  was  far 
otherwise.  “They  may,”  said  Allen  laughingly,  “ sen- 
tence us  to  be  hung  for  refusing  to  voluntarily  place 
our  necks  in  the  halter ; but  how  will  the  fools  manage 
to  hang  a Green-Mountain  Boy  before  they  catch  him  ? ” 
The  committees  of  the  several  townships  assembled  in 
convention,  and  took  up  the  subject  with  more  calmness 
than  could  have  been  anticipated  under  circumstances 
so  irritating.  They  reviewed  the  causes  of  the  contro- 
versy, asserted  anew  their  rights,  affirmed  that  they 
were  not  the  aggressors,  that  all  the  violence  to  which 
they  had  been  accessory  was  fully  justified  by  the 
laws  of  self-preservation,  and  that  they  were  deter- 
mined to  maintain  the  ground  they  had  taken,  without 
fear  or  favor,  at  every  hazard  and  every  sacrifice. 
They  closed  their  public  proceedings  by  a resolve,  that 
all  necessary  preparations  should  be  made,  and  that 
the  inhabitants  should  hold  themselves  in  readiness  at 
a minute’s  warning  to  defend  those  among  them  “ who, 
for  their  merit  in  the  great  and  general  cause,  had 
been  falsely  denominated  rioters;”  declaring,  at  the 
same  time,  that  they  would  act  only  on  the  defensive, 
and  that  in  all  civil  cases,  and  criminal  prosecutions  — 


182  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

really  such  — they  would  assist  the  proper  officers  to 
enforce  the  execution  of  the  laws. 

In  addition  to  these  public  doings  of  the  people  at 
large  by  their  representatives,  the  proscribed  persons, 
at  the  head  of  whom  was  Ethan  Allen,  published  a 
manifesto,  to  which  they  jointly  affixed  their  names, 
containing  a defense  of  themselves,  and  free  remarks 
on  the  New-York  act  and  proclamation.  To  look  for 
moderation  as  a prominent  quality  in  a paper  of  this 
kind,  is  perhaps  more  than  would  be  authorized  by  the 
nature  of  the  case,  or  the  character  of  the  individuals 
concerned  ; yet  it  expressed  sentiments  which  we  should 
be  sorry  not  to  find  in  men  whom  we  would ' respect, 
and  in  whom  we  would  confide  in  the  hour  of  peril. 
It  spoke  in  a tone  of  deep  complaint  of  the  injuries 
they  had  suffered  from  the  vindictive  persecutions  of 
their  enemies,  protested  against  the  tyrannical  abuse  of 
power  which  would  arraign  them  as  criminals  for  pro- 
tecting their  own  property,  and  threatened  death  to 
those  who  “should  be  tempted  by  the  wages  of  un- 
righteousness offered  in  the  proclamation,”  and  under- 
take to  put  in  execution  against  them  the  sanguinary 
edict  of  the  New-York  assembly.  After  these  decisive 
manifestoes  of  the  belligerent  parties,  acts  of  violence 
might  be  anticipated.  These  were,  however,  not  nu- 
merous, nor  of  a decisive  character.  There  were  a few 
cases  in  which  the  “beech-seal”  was  applied  to  the 
partisans  of  New  York  with  considerable  energy ; but 
this  punishment  was  reserved  for  the  most  incorrigible 
offenders.  Milder  measures  were  adopted  with  the 
less  dangerous  and  active,  and  usually  with  success. 
"Ridicule  was  often  employed,  and  constituted  the 


PUNISHMENT  OF  DOCTOR  ADAMS. 


183 


principal  ingredient  of  the  punishments  inflicted  upon 
them.  An  instance  of  this  is  found  in  the  case  of 
Doctor  Samuel  Adams,  of  Arlington.  He  openly 
declared  himself  a partisan  of  Hew  York,  and  was 
accustomed  to  speak  disrespectfully  of  the  conventions 
and  committees,  and  advised  the  public  to  peaceably 
purchase  the  title  to  their  lands  from  Hew  York.  He 
was  informed  by  his  neighbors  that  his  conversation 
was  unacceptable,  and  they  admonished  him  to  be 
more  prudent  in  the  expression  of  his  views.  Far 
from  producing  a reform,  their  hints  served  only  to 
stimulate  the  anger  of  the  courageous  doctor,  who  forth- 
with armed  himself  with  pistols  and  other  weapons, 
and  proclaimed  his  opinions  more  loudly  and  decidedly 
than  ever.  He  announced  his  full  determination  to 
defend  himself  to  the  best  of  his  ability  against  any 
person  who  should  approach  him  with  any  unfriendly 
design.  Such  a threat  was  not  likely  to  be  disregarded, 
and  the  doctor  was  seized  in  an  unguarded  moment, 
and  compelled  to  surrender.  He  was  taken  to  the 
“Green-Mountain  Tavern”  in  Bennington,  (then  kept 
by  Captain  Stephen  Fay,  and  now  occupied  as  a pri- 
vate residence  by  his  grandson,  Samuel  Fay,  Esq.,) 
where  he  was  arraigned  before  the  committee,  who, 
not  satisfied  with  his  defense,  sentenced  him  to  a novel 
punishment,  which  was  immediately  inflicted.  Before 
the  door  of  the  tavern  stood  a sign-post,  twenty-fivp 
feet  high,  the  top  of  which  was  adorned  with  the  skin 
of  a catamount  stuffed  to  the  size  of  life,  with  its  head 
turned  toward  Albany,  its  jaws  distended,  and  its  for- 
midable teeth  portending  destruction  to  all  who  should 
approach  from  that  direction.  The  contumacious 


184:  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

doctor  was  tied  into  a chair,  and  drawn  up  to  the  top 
of  the  sign-post,  where,  according  to  the  decision  of 
the  court,  he  was  to  remain  suspended  for  two  hours. 
This  occasioned  great  merriment  to  the  large  assem- 
blage which  was  present  to  witness  the  affair,  and  so 
mortified  Doctor  Adams  that  he  returned  to  his  houso 
in  silence,  and  thenceforward  took  no  part  in  the 
controversy. 

It  will  be  borne  in  mind,  that  the  resolutions  adopted 
by  the  conventions  of  the  people  were  regarded  as  the 
law  of  the  Hew-Hampshire  Grants.  Offenses  against 
the  dearest  rights  of  the  people,  when  they  threatened 
to  be  attended  with  any  degree  of  success,  were  pun- 
ished with  commensurate  severity.  The  case  of  Ben- 
jamin Hough  will  serve  as  an  example  of  this.  He 
was  among  those  who  applied  to  the  assembly  of  Hew 
York  for  legislative  aid  against  the  Green-Moun- 
tain Boys,  and  was  commissioned  as  a justice  of  the 
peace,  on  the  very  day  that  the  assembly  passed  its 
sanguinary  law  and  the  governor  issued  his  offensive 
proclamation  against  the  defenders  of  their  mountain 
homes.  Taking  with  him  these  documents,  he  returned 
to  his  residence  in  Clarendon,  and  undertook  to  estab- 
lish the  authority  of  Hew  York.  He  was  repeatedly 
warned  not  to  act  as  a magistrate,  but,  being  found 
incorrigible,  was  taken  before  the  committee  of  safety 
at  Sunderland.  The  committee  ordered  the  resolution 
of  the  convention  of  the  Hew-Hampshire  Grants  to  be 
read,  in  which  the  holding  of  any  office,  civil  or  mili- 
tary, under  the  colony  of  Hew  York,  within  that  dis- 
trict, was  declared  to  be  penal.  The  prisoner  confessed 
that  he  had  been  active  in  procuring  the  passage  of 


hough’s  certificate. 


185 


the  odious  New- York  law,  and  in  exercising  his  au- 
thority as  a magistrate,  but  pleaded  the  jurisdiction  of 
New  York  in  justification  of  his  conduct.  The  sentence 
of  the  committee  was  as  follows : “ That  the  prisoner 
be  taken  from  the  bar  of  this  committee  of  safety,  and 
be  tied  to  a tree,  and  then,  on  his  naked  back,  receive 
two  hundred  stripes  ; his  back  being  dressed,  he  should 
depart  out  of  the  district,  and  on  return,  without  spe- 
cial leave  of  the  convention,  to  suffer  death.”  This 
sentence  was  carried  into  execution  in  the  presence  of 
a large  concourse  of  people;  and  at  his  request  the 
following  certificate  was  furnished  for  his  future 
reference : — 

“ Sunderland,  30th  January,  1775. 

“This  may  certify  the  inhabitants  of  the  New-  ( 
Hampshire  Grants,  that  Benjamin  Hough  hath  this 
day  received  a full  punishment  for  his  crimes  com- 
mitted against  this  country ; and  our  inhabitants  are 
ordered  to  give  him,  the  said  Hough,  a free  and  unmo- 
lested passport  toward  the  city  of  New  York,  or  to 
the  Westward  of  our  Grants,  he  behaving  himself  as 
becometh. 

“Given  under  our  hands  the  day  and  date  aforesaid. 

Ethan  Allen, 

Seth  Warner.” 

When  this  paper  was  handed  to  Hough,  Allen 
observed  that  the  certificate,  together  with  the  receipt 
on  his  back,  would,  no  doubt,  be  admitted  as  legal 
evidence  before  the  supreme  court  and  the  governor  and 
‘council  of  New  York,  although,  in  several  instances, 
to  his  knowledge,  the  king’s  warrant  to  Governor 
Wentworth  and  his  excellency’s  sign-manual,  with  the 
great  seal  of  the  province  of  New  Hampshire,  would 


186  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

not.  Living,  as  we  now  do,  in  the  enjoyment  of  just 
and  equal  laws,  and  in  times  when  such  penalties  are 
never  inflicted,  it  is  no  slight  task  to  form  a proper 
estimate  of  the  measures  now  under  review.  Those 
who  regard  them  as  severe  must  bear  in  mind  that, 
aside  from  the  alternative  of  surrendering  their  farms, 
which  their  industry  had  made  to  blossom  as  the  rose, 
or  a determined  resistance  by  force,  the  settlers  on  the 
New-Hainpshife  Grants  were  threatened  with  penalties 
the  most  inhuman,  for  endeavoring  to  defend  the 
homes  that  were  dear  to  them.  “Let  it  not  be  said,” 
remarks  a distinguished  Yermonter,*  “that  the  inflic- 
tion of  this  barbarous  punishment  proves  that  the 
people  of  the  Grants  were  less  civilized  than  the  peo- 
ple of  other  parts  of  New  England ; for  long  afterward 
this  relic  of  barbarism  was  found  in  the  criminal  code 
of  all  the  states  ; but  a more  advanced  state  of  civili- 
zation has  since  broken  up  the  habit  by  which  it  had 
been  continued  through  generations  of  civilized  man, 
and  it  has  been  exploded,  never  again  to  find  a place 
in  the  code  of  any  of  the  American  states.”  Aside 
from  the  reasons  heretofore  given  for  retaliation  on  the 
part  of  the  Green-Mountain  Boys,  it  need  not  escape 
remembrance  that  as  necessity  drove  them  to  resistance, 
so  sound  policy  would  naturally  dictate  that  such  re- 
sistance should  be  of  a 'character  to  inspire  a full  and 
firm  belief  that  it  would  be  effectual.  Every  prospect 
of  reconciliation  or  submission  to  the  claims  of  New 
York  had  vanished.  The  New-Hampshire  grantees* 
believing  the  action  of  the  New-York  authorities  to 
originate  in  the  avarice  of  a set  of  speculators  wh** 

# Hon.  Daniel  Chipman. 


PRIVATIONS  OF  THE  PIONEERS. 


1ST 


co voted  their  lands,  and  that  the  people  of  New 
York  felt  no  disposition  to  aid  in  enforcing  such 
claims — satisfied  that  the  public  sentiment  was  highly 
favorable  to  the  rights  of  the  settlers  — and  being 
aware,  from  past  experience,  that  the  militia  of  the 
colony  could  never  be  induced  to  contend  against 
them — regarded  with  contempt  every  threat  or  legal 
enactment  intended  to  inspire  terror.  The  idea  of 
submission  seems  never  for  a moment  to  have  occupied 
the  attention  of  the  handful  of  brave  men  against 
whom  these  measures  were  directed.  Educated  in  the 
school  of  adversity,  and  inured  to  hardships  and  dan- 
gers, they  met  and  sustained  the  shock  with  a firm, 
unbroken  spirit. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  controversy  in  regard 
to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  New-Hampshire  Grants,  the 
population  of  that  district  is  supposed  not  to  have 
exceeded  three  hundred  families  ; but  in  the  year  1775 
the  number  of  inhabitants  was  estimated  at  twenty 
thousand.  The  smoke  of  the  settlers’  cabins  curled  up 
from  almost  all  the  numerous,  beautiful  and  fertile 
valleys  which  nestle  amid  the  Green  Mountains  ; and 
the  sound  of  the  woodman’s  ax  echoed  from  almost 
every  hill-side.  As  is  usually  the  case  with  the  pio- 
neers of  a new  country,  the  early  settlers  of  Vermont 
were  poor,  and  wholly  dependent  upon  their  efforts  for 
obtaining  homes  for  themselves  and  families.  Their 
descendants  can  scarcely  realize  the  privations  and 
sufferings  they  endured  in  thus  establishing  themselves 
in  the  unbroken  wilderness.  In  numerous  instances, 
families  proceeded  to  the  farms  they  had  purchased, 
miles  from  any  other  human  habitation,  and  encamped 


188  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

in  the  forest  until,  by  their  own  unaided  efforts,  they 
could  erect  log-cabins.  Many  of  them  traveled  in 
canoes,  or  on  foot,  carrying  their  entire  effects  upon 
their  backs.  The  heads  of  other  families  proceeded  to 
their  farms  in  the  summer,  erected  cabins,  cleared 
their  lands,  and  in  the  winter  brought  their  families  to 
their  rude  and  solitary  homes.  It  was  not  uncommon 
for  them  to  travel  on  foot,  drawing  their  household 
utensils  on  “handsleds,”  and,  frequently,  when  the 
wife  was  too  feeble  to  endure  these  trials,  the  husband 
would  draw  her  in  this  manner.  A single  family 
would  thus  move  into  a township,  and  reside  months 
without  seeing  another  human  being.  Mr.  Amos  Cut- 
ler, the  first  settler  in  the  town  of  Brandon,  spent  an 
entire  winter  without  seeing  any  other  person  ; and 
Mr.  Abijah  Wheelock,  an  early  pioneer  of  Calais,  after 
a flourishing  town  had  grown  up  around  him,  would 
allude  pleasantly  to  the  hermit-life  he  had  formerly 
endured,  by  asserting  there  had  been  a time  when  he 
was  the  most  respectable  man  in  the  town.  The  wife  of 
Thomas  Whitmore,  the  earliest  settler  in  Marlborough, 
spent  the  most  of  one  winter  alone,  her  husband  being 
absent  on  business.  This  lady  lived  to  the  advanced 
age  of  eighty-seven  years,  and  saw  a flourishing  state 
grow  up,  where  but  a few  scattered  families  resided 
when  she  entered  the  territory.  Throughout  her  active 
years  she  performed  the  duties  of  a nurse;  and  so 
indispensable  was  her  assistance  considered  in  that 
vicinity,  in  cases  where  the  census  of  the  new  state 
was  affected,  that  the  good  old  lady  was  enabled  to 
boast,  in  her  declining  years,  that  she  had  assisted  at 
the  birth  of  over  two  thousand  children! 


A NEW  TROUBLE. 


189 


The  New-IIampshire  grantees  were  by  no  means  sg 
engrossed  by  their  own  troubles  as  to  be  indifferent  to 
the  policy  pursued  by  the  mother  country  toward  her 
colonies  in  America.  As  the  settlers  were  chiefly 
emigrants  from  Connecticut  and  Massachusetts,  they 
sympathized  with  the  feelings  of  discontent  which 
pervaded  those  colonies.  Those  residing  on  Connecti- 
cut river,  who  had  surrendered  their  original  charters, 
and  taken  out  new  grants  under  the  broad  seal  of  New 
York,  and  had  submitted  to  the  jurisdiction  of  that 
colony,  were  comparatively  unconcerned  spectators  of 
that  bitter  controversy  in  which  the  grantees  on  the 
west  side  of  the  mountains  were  interested.  But  their 
freedom  from  participation  in  the  angry  contest  be- 
tween the  settlers  and  the  governor  of  New  York, 
gave  them  a better  opportunity  to  understand  and 
resist  the  tyrannical  measures  which  England  was 
preparing  for  the  more  complete  subjection  of  tho 
colonies.  An  event  took  place  in  the  spring  of  the 
year  1775,  in  their  midst,  which  served  still  further  to 
arouse  their  detestation  of  the  policy  of  the  mother 
country.  When,  at  a former  day,  the  line  was  estab- 
lished between  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut,  many 
inhabitants,  who  had  received  grants  of  land  from  the 
former  province,  in  compensation  for  their  services 
against  the  French  and  Indians,  found  themselves 
thrown  into  the  latter,  and  were  required  to  abandon 
their  possessions.  The  state  of  Massachusetts,  with 
a commendable  sense  of  justice,  made  them,  in  com- 
pensation, a grant  of  what  is  now  the  towns  of  Putney, 
Dummerston  and  Brattleborough,  Vermont, — hence 
called,  in  those  days,  “the  Equivalent  Land,” — and 


190  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROE8. 


their  title,  it  is  believed,  was  respected  by  New  Hamp- 
shire. These  men  were  of  the  old  Puritan  stock,  and 
when,  upon  the  conquest  of  Canada,  in  which  they 
had  aided,  the  British  parliament  established  the 
Roman  Catholic  faith  as  the  religion  of  that  province, 
by  an  act  called  “the  Quebec  Bill,”  it  was  extremely 
exasperating  to  their  feelings ; and  one  Lieutenant 
Spalding,  of  Dummerston,  on  one  occasion,  called  the 
king  “the  Pope  of  Canada.”  This  remark,  which 
might  have  been  wisely  and  judiciously  passed  over, 
was  seized  upon  by  the  royal  satellites,  as  a good 
opportunity  to  show  their  power,  and  Spalding  was 
arrested  for  high  treason,  and  imprisoned  in  the  jail  at 
Westminster.  This  was  on  the  28th  of  October,  1774, 
and  on  the  29th,  a majority  of  the  inhabitants  of  Dum- 
merston assembled  and  chose  a committee  of  corre- 
spondence, “to  join,”  in  their  own  language,  “with 
other  towns  and  respectable  bodies  of  people,  the  bet- 
ter to  secure  and  protect  the  rights  and  privileges  of 
themselves  and  fellow-creatures  from  the  ravages  and 
embarrassments  of  the  British  tyrant  and  his  New- 
York  and  other  emissaries.”  This  led  to  such  concert 
that  a large  body  of  men  from  Dummerston,  Putney, 
Guilford,  Halifax  and  Draper,  (now  Wilmington,)  pro- 
ceeded to  Westminster,  opened  the  door  of  the  jail,  and 
released  Spalding  from  imprisonment. 

This  brought  the  controversy  to  a point,  and  it  now 
became  manifest  that,  on  the  one  side,  if  the  royal 
authority  was  to  be  upheld,  the  whole  apparatus  of 
executive  and  judicial  power  must  be  brought  into 
play,  numerous  criminal  proceedings  instituted,  and 
civil  ejectments  must  follow ; and  on  the  other,  the 


EXCITEMENT  OF  THE  PEOPLE. 


191 


abandonment  of  the  proceedings  must  be  compelled 
by  the  people,  and  the  whole  machinery  of  royal 
oppression  resisted  and  stayed,  at  once  and  forever. 

Both  parties  prepared  for  the  crisis ; and  as  the 
court  was  to  hold  its  next  session  on  the  14th  of  March, 
1775,  at  Westminster,  they  had  about  four  months  to 
make  preparations  and  arrangements.  On  the  13th  of 
March,  1775,  they  assembled  at  Westminster,  the  loyal 
officers  of  the  county  being  supported  by  their  adherents. 
The  whigs,  as  they  were  then  called,  came  also  in  con- 
siderable numbers,  and  having  learned  that  it  was  the 
private  intention  of  the  royal  party  to  get  the  first 
possession  of  the  court-house,  they  placed  therein  about 
one  hundred  men,  commanded  by  a captain  of  the 
militia,  and  determined  to  keep  possession  until  their 
grievances  were  laid  before  the  judges  and  redressed. 
Near  the  setting  of  the  sun,  the  sheriff  came  with  his 
posse,  part  of  whom  were  armed  with  muskets,  and 
d^anded  admittance ; which  was  refused,  unless  he 
would  order  his  men  to  lay  aside  th^ir  arms.  About 
ten  o’clock  at  night,  the  chief  justice  came  among 
them,  and  assuring  their  captain  that  no  attempt 
should  be  made  to  molest  them  until  morning,  the 
latter  withdrew  the  principal  part  of  his  force,  leav- 
ing only  a small  body  of  men,  armed  with  bludgeons ; 
among  whom  was  William  French,  a young  farmer, 
not  twenty-two  years  of  age,  who  lived  in  Brattle- 
borough.  The  people  of  that  town,  who  lived  in  his 
immediate  neighborhood,  were  of  the  opposite  party, 
and,  indeed,  some  of  them  were  in  the  sheriff’s  band  ; 
that  officer  being  himself  an  inhabitant  of  the  town. 
French,  who  generally  acted  with  his  friends  in  Dum 


192  ETIIAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

merston,  appears,  though  holding  no  official  station,  to 
have  been  much  esteemed  for  his  honesty,  bravery  and 
patriotism;  and  the  treatment  he  afterward  received 
from  his  opponents,  sufficiently  attests  how  much  they 
feared  his  influence.  About  eleven  o’clock  at  night,  the 
persons  appointed  to  watch  reported  that  the  sheriff, 
with  an  armed  force,  was  approaching,  and  means  were 
taken  to.  prevent  his  coming  into  the  house. 

When  he  came  up,  he  again  demanded  entrance, 
and  was  refused  as  before.  He  then  ordered  his  men 
to  fire,  which  they  did  by  aiming  above  the  heads  of 
the  people  within ; but  finding  that  this  produced  no 
effect,  he  repeated  his  order,  and  the  muskets  were 
leveled  and  discharged  with  such  effect,  that  the  de- 
fenders were  driven  back,  and  the  assailants  rushed 
into  the  house,  and  commenced  a horrid  butchery  upon 
the  defenseless  men.  William  French,  in  facing  them, 
received  five  bullet- wounds  in  different  places : in  his 
thigh,  leg,  mouth,  face  and  forehead.  Several  others 
were  severely  wounded  ; and  one,  Daniel  Houghton, 
was  shot  through  the  body,  and  after  lingering  a few 
days,  expired.  About  twenty,  who  had  not  retreated, 
including  the  wounded,  were  seized  and  inhumanly 
thrust  into  prison  ; and  the  bleeding  body  of  the  dying 
French  was  dragged  to  the  prison-door,  and  thrown 
in  among  them,  with  circumstances  of  the  most  cruel 
insult  and  brutality. 

The  court  was  opened  at  the  usual  hour  on  the  next 
morning,  with  something  like  triumphal  ceremony,  and 
adjourned  formally  until  three  o’clock  in  the  afternoon. 
But  that  court  never  reassembled.  The  news  of  the 
murder  spread  with  great  rapidity,  and  before  the* 


WILLIAM  FRENCH. 


193 


appointed  hour,  the  people  were  rushing  to  the  scene 
from  all  directions.  The  principal  aggressors  took 
the  alarm,  and  fled  precipitately.  On  the  15th  of 
March,  an  inquest  was  held  on  the  body  of  French, 
and  on  the  same  day  it  was  committed  to  the  ground., 
n the  common  burial-place  at  Westminster — the  mili- 
tia from  the  neighboring  towns  attending,  and  firing 
volleys  over  his  grave.  A tombstone  was  soon  brought 
from  Dummerston,  bearing  an  inscription  peculiarly 
illustrative  of  the  times,  and  placed  at  the  head, 
where  it  still  remains.  Being  of  slate,  taken  from 
the  quarry  near  his  residence,  it  is  not  of  the  most 
enduring  character,  but  quite  liable  to  injury  and 
decay.  For,  while  the  face  of  the  stone  retains  to 
this  day  the  “rude  but  emphatic  inscription,”  the  rains 
and  snows  of  nearly  eighty  winters,  lodging  on  the 
top,  have  percolated  between  the  layers,  and  partially 
separated  them;  so  that,  if  they  had  not  been  re- 
tained together  by  a small  rivet  of  lead,  inserted 
oy  no  one  knows  who  or  when,  the  whole  must  long 
since  have  crumbled  and  been  lost.*  With  the  buna' 

* The  following  is  a literal  copy  of  the  inscription  upon  the  o'* 4 
monument : 

In  Memory  of  William  French 
Son  of  Mr  Nathaniel  French  Who 
Was  shot  at  Westminster  March  ye  13th 
1775  by  the  hands  of  Cruel  Ministereal 
tools  of  George  ye  3d  in  the  Corthouse  at 
a 11  a Clock  at  Night  in  the  22d  year  of 
his  Age 

Here  William  French  his  Body  lies 

9 


194  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

of  William  French,  were  buried  the  hopes  of  subju 
gaiing  the  men  who  dwelt  on  the  hills  and  in  the 
vaLe/s  cf  the  Green  Mountains.  The  spirit  of  re- 
sisting oppression  to  the  last  extremity,  awakened  by 
his  death,  was  never  extinguished ; and  within  two 
years  from  that  time,  there  was  proclaimed  from  the 
same  building  in  which  he  was  martyred,  the  decla- 
ration of  the  independence  of  Vermont. 

Highly  irritated  by  the  massacre  of  William  French, 
a committee  of  the  larger  portion  of  the  people  on  the 
east  side  of  the  Green  Mountains  met  at  Westminster, 
April  11,  1775,  and  adopted  the  following  resolution  : 
“Voted,  that  it  is  the  duty  of  said  inhabitants,  as 
predicated  on  the  eternal  and  immutable  law  of  self- 
preservation,  to  wholly  renounce  and  resist  the  admin- 
istration of  the  government  of  New  York,  till  such  time 
as  the  lives  and  property  of  those  inhabitants  may 
be  secured  by  it ; or  till  such  time  as  they  can  have 
opportunity  to  lay  their  grievances  before  his  most 
gracious  Majesty  in  council,  together  with  a proper 
remonstranc*  against  the  unjustifiable  conduct  of  that 
government , with  an  humble  petition  to  be  taken  out 
of  so  oppressive  a jurisdiction,  and  either  annexed  to 
some  otner  government,  or  erected  and  incorporated 
into  a new  one,  as  may  appear  best  to  the  said  inhab- 
itants, to  the  royal  wisdom  and  clemency,  and  till 
such  time  as  his  Majesty  shall  settle  this  controversy.” 

For  Murder  hia  blood  for  Vengance  cries 
King  Georg  the  third  hia  Tory  crew 
tha  with  a bawl  his  head  Shot  threw 
For  Liberty  and  his  Countrys  Good 
he  Lost  his  Life  his  Dearest  blood 


SUSPENSION  OF  THE  CONTROVERSY. 


195 


What  would  have  been  the  final  result  of  the  con- 
troversy with  New  York,  had  not  the  attention  of 
the  people  been  diverted  from  the  subject  by  one  of 
greater  importance,  can  only  be  conjectured.  But  a 
higher  and  more  momentous  controversy,  involving 
the  independence  of  the  whole  American  people, 
was  brought  before  them,  and  they  forgot  their  land 
difficulties,  their  “beech-seal”  certificates,  and  their 
midnight  riots. 


CHAPTER  III. 


ETHAN  ALLEN. 

“ The  mountains  green  that  witnessed  first  his  fame, 

From  rocks  to  rocks  resounded  far  his  name. 

As  the  tough  horn-beam,  (peering  o’er  those  rocks,) 

With  gnarled  grain  the  riving  thunder  mocks, 

Indignant  Allen,  manacled  in  vain, 

With  soul  revolting,  bit  the  British  chain.” 

Humphreys. 

The  American  Revolution  called  forth  the  latent 
energies  of  many  individuals,  who  would,  in  a more 
peaceable  state  of  political  alfairs,  have  slumbered  in 
obscurity,  and  gone  down  to  the  grave  unhonored  and 
unknown.  The  very  nature  of  the  policy  of  Great 
Britain  toward  this  country — a policy  every  way 
tyrannical  and  oppressive — was  calculated  to  call  into 
action  the  efforts  of  every  friend  of  liberty.  It  was  an 
attempt  to  strip  the  people  of  their  rights,  and  manacle 
them  with  the  fetters  of  slavery.  But,  thanks  to  the 
spirit  which  prevailed  among  our  fathers  — thanks  to 
the  patriotism  which  then  warmed  the  hearts  of  the 
people — the  mercenaries  of  a foreign  power  were 
unequal  to  the  task  of  accomplishing  the  designs  of 
their  masters.  True-hearted  volunteers  rallied  to  the 
calls  of  the  brave  and  wise  men  of  our  country, 
imbued  with  a spirit  worthy  of  the  little  band  which 
defended  the  pass  of  Thermopylae.  They  fought  and 
conquered ; and  their  declining  years  were  cheered 


ETHAN  ALLEN. 


197 


with  the  knowledge  that  the  country  for  which  they 
had  struggled  so  long  and  fearfully,  was  prosperous 
and  happy,  and  that  their  deeds  were  gratefully 
remembered. 

Perhaps  no  individual,  of  equal  advantages,  and  in 
the  station  he  occupied,  contributed  more  toward 
establishing  the  independence  of  our  country,  than 
Ethan  Allen.  The  mass  of  the  people  among  whom 
he  resided,  were  rude  and  uncultivated ; yet  bold  in 
spirit,  and  zealous  in  action.  It  consequently  followed, 
that  no  one  but  a man  of  strong  natural  endowments — 
of  much  decision,  energy  and  bravery — could  control 
their  prejudices  and  inclinations.  Habit  had  rendered 
them  familiar  with  danger,  and  impatient  of  restraint : 
hence  it  followed,  that  no  policy,  unless  proceeding 
from  a source  in  which  they  had  confidence,  ever 
gained  their  approbation.  Upon  Allen,  whose  courage 
was  undoubted,  and  whose  zealous  devotion  to  their 
interests  was  universally  acknowledged,  they  implicitly 
relied.  They  had  known  him  in  adversity  and  pros- 
perity— they  had  weighed  him,  and  found  nothing 
lacking.  To  friend  or  foe,  he  was  ever  the  same 
unyielding  advocate  of  the  rights  of  man,  and  uni- 
versal liberty.  The  policy,  therefore,  he  upheld,  as 
beneficial  to  the  common  cause  of  American  liberty, 
ever  found  strong  and  efficient  supporters  in  the 
friends  with  whom  he  associated,  and  by  whom  he 
was  known. 

From  the  commencement  of  our  revolutionary 
struggle  until  its  final  close,  Ethan  Allen  proved  a 
zealous  and  strenuous  supporter  of  the  cause.  Whether 
in  the  field  or  council  — whether  at  home,  a freeman 


198  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

among  the  mountains  of  Vermont,  or  loaded  with  tho 
manacles  of  despotism  in  a foreign  country,  his  spirit 
never  quailed  beneath  the  sneer  of  the  tory,  or  the 
harsh  threats  of  insolent  authority.  A stranger  to 
fear,  his  opinions  were  ever  given  without  disguise  or 
hesitation ; and,  an  enemy  to  oppression,  he  sought 
every  opportunity  to  redress  the  wrongs  of  the  op- 
pressed. It  is  not  to  be  supposed,  however,  that  he 
was  faultless.  Like  other  men,  he  had  his  errors — 
like  other  men,  his  foibles  : yet  he  was  not  willfully 
stubborn  in  either.  When  convinced  of  an  erroneous 
4 position,  he  was  ever  willing  to  yield ; but,  in  theory, 
as  in  practice,  he  contested  every  inch  of  ground ; and 
only  yielded,  when  he  had  no  weapons  left  to  meet 
his  antagonist.  This  trait  in  his  character  serves,  at 
least,  to  prove  that  he  was  honest  in  his  conclusions, 
however  erroneous  the  premises  from  which  they 
were  deduced. 

The  period  at  which  we  have  now  arrived  in  the 
life  of  Ethan  Allen,  places  him  in  a more  conspicuous 
and  interesting  position  before  the  reader.  Heretofore 
he  has  been  seen  only  as  the  zealous  friend  of  the 
section  in  which  he  resided  — as  the  champion  of 
the  humble  citizen,  contending  for  the  rights  of  indi- 
vidual property,  and  private  justice.  In  these  offices 
of  friendship  and  duty,  however,  he  had  ever  the  con- 
fidence and  the  esteem  of  his  neighbors.  He  had 
evinced  a spirit  of  patriotism,  and  a love  of  freedom, 
which  warmly  recommended  him  to  the  notice  and 
the  admiration  of  the  most  determined  and  able 
advocates  of  American  liberty.  That  he  should  ha\e 
been  selected,  therefore,  as  the  leader  in  an  enterprise 


REVIEW  OF  COLONIAL  HISTORY.  199 

of  the  highest  moment  to  the  cause  of  liberty,  was 
alike  clue  to  his  principles,  his  services,  and  his 
position. 

A hasty  glance  at  the  posture  of  affairs  at  this 
juncture,  however  well  the  reader  may  be  acquainted 
with  it,  cannot  be  improper.  During  the  seventy-one 
yearn  from  1689  to  1760,  the  colonies  were  involved 
in  four  wars,  occupying,  in  all,  twenty-seven  years ; 
not  to  allude  to  the  interminable  hostilities  which  raged 
between  them  and  the  Indian  tribes,  along  their 
frontier  settlements.  Yet,  in  this  period,  the  popula- 
tion had  increased  from  two  hundred  thousand  to 
about  three  millions.  The  arts  and  manufactures, 
being  opposed  by  the  mother  country,  made  but  little 
progress ; but  there  was  a steady  advancement  in 
agriculture.  Trade  and  commerce  had  gone  on  greatly 
increasing — so  much  that,  in  the  ten  years  preceding 
the  revolutionary  war,  the  average  annual  exports,  to 
Great  Britain  and  elsewhere,  amounted  to  four  million 
pounds  sterling,  and  the  imports,  to  three  and  a half 
millions.  In  the  mean  time,  colleges,  and  other  supe- 
rior institutions  of  learning,  had  been  established  in 
nearly  all  the  colonies,  and  popular  instruction  pro- 
vided for,  especially  in  [New  England.  The  country 
was  advancing  in  intellectual  culture ; and,  more  than 
all,  the  necessity  of  uniting  for  the  common  defense, 
and  the  intercourse  of  the  colonies  that  grew  out  of  it, 
had  tended  to  create  a national  spirit,  which  the  events 
of  the  twelve  years  succeeding  the  peace  of  1760,  still 
further  developed  and  strengthened. 

The  colonists,  from  the  first,  always  cherished  a 
jealous  sense  of  their  rights.  As  early  as  the  middle 


200  ETHAN  ALLEN  ANL  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

of  the  seventeenth  century,  it  was  a settled  doctrine 
among  them,  that  the  authority  of  parliament  was 
limited  to  the  regulation  of  trade,  and  that  taxes 
could  not  be  imposed  upon  them  without  their  own 
consent.  Previous,  indeed,  to  the  peace  of  Paris,  the 
home  government  had  never  attempted  to  interfere 
with  internal  taxation.  For  a century,  however,  be- 
fore that  event,  a variety  of  restrictions  had,  from 
time  to  time,  been  imposed  upon  the  trade  of  the  colo- 
nies ; the  object  of  which  was  to  oblige  the  colonists 
to  buy  and  sell  exclusively  in  the  English  markets. 
Colonial  manufactures  were  also,  in  every  possible 
way,  discouraged.  These  restrictions  produced  much 
discontent.  In  1764,  the  first  act  avowedly  for  the 
purpose  of  raising  a revenue  in  America  was  passed 
in  parliament.  This  was  followed,  the  next  year,  by 
the  famous  “stamp  act,”  making  illegal  all  deeds, 
mortgages,  bonds,  notes,  and  other  instruments  of  a 
like  character,  unless  written  upon  stamped  paper, 
upon  which  a duty  to  the  crown  was  imposed,  varying 
in  amount  with  the  transaction  which  they  represented. 
These  acts  excited  great  displeasure  throughout  the 
colonies ; and  in  October,  1765,  a congress  of  delegates 
from  Rhode  Island,  Massachusetts,  Connecticut,  Hew 
York,  Hew  Jersey,  Maryland,  and  Horth  and  South 
Carolina,  met  at  Hew  York,  and  passed  several  reso- 
lutions, acknowledging  the  rightful  authority  of  parlia- 
ment, but  denouncing  the  stamp  act,  and  other 
enactments  of  the  kind,  as  subversive  of  the  just 
rights  and  liberties  of  the  colonists,  as  natural-born 
English  subjects.  The  proceedings  of  this  body  were 
sanctioned  by  all  the  colonies.  The  public  indignation. 


RESISTANCE  TO  TAXATION. 


201 


inflamed  by  newspapers,  pamphlets,  and  popular  meet- 
ings, rose  to  the  highest  pitch.  Combinations  were 
everywhere  formed,  to  abstain  from  using  articles  of 
British  manufacture,  and,  in  every  way,  to  oppose  the 
measures  of  the  home  government.  The  officers  ap- 
pointed under  the  stamp  act  were,  in  many  places, 
insulted,  abused,  and  forced  to  resign ; and  when  the 
time  arrived  for  the  act  to  go  into  operation,  neither 
stamps  nor  stamp-officers  were  to  be  found.  Business 
of  all  kinds  requiring  stamps,  was,  for  a’  time,  sus- 
pended ; law-proceedings  were  stayed,  and  the  courts 
were  closed.  The  next  year  the  stamp  act  was  re- 
pealed ; although  the  repeal  was  accompanied  by  a 
declaration  of  the  “right  of  parliament  to  bind  the 
colonies  in  all  cases  whatsoever.”  In  a few  months 
from  this  time,  a new  ministry  came  into  power,  and  a 
new  plan  for  taxing  America  was  introduced  into 
parliament : that  of  levying  a tax  on  glass,  paper, 
pasteboard,  painters’  colors,  and  tea,  imported  into 
the  colonies.  To  enforce  this  law,  a body  of  troops 
was  sent  out,  and  quartered  in  Boston.  These  meas- 
ures produced  great  exasperation  in  the  colonies,  and 
led  to  combinations  against  using  the  articles  subjected 
to  duty.  In  1770,  this  act  was  repealed,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  duty  on  tea.  The  colonists  were  only 
the  more  decided  in  renouncing  the  use  of  that  article. 
An  act  of  parliament  was  passed  in  1773,  allowing 
the  East-India  company  a remission  of  certain  govern- 
ment charges  on  the  tea  they  should  send  to  America, 
which  would  enable  them  to  sell  tea  to  the  colonists 
cheaper  than  they  could  sell  it  in  England.  This  was 
done  with  the  hope  of  inducing  the  colonists  to  return 


202  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

to  the  use  of  the  article.  In  this  submission  to  the  tax 
upon  tea,  it  was  expected  that  the  principle,  that 
parliament  had  a right  to  tax  the  colonists,  would  be 
adopted  ; and  the  way  would  be  open  for  indiscrimi- 
nate and  oppressive  taxation.  Large  shipments  of  tea 
were  accordingly  made ; but  the  Americans  refused  to 
pay  the  slight  duty  upon  it.  The  cargoes  sent  to  New 
York  and  Philadelphia,  were  not  suffered  to  be 
landed  ; in  Charleston,  it  was  not  allowed  to  be  sold; 
and,  at  Boston,  it  was  thrown  into  the  harbor,  by  a 
party  of  men  disguised  as  Indians.  These  proceedings 
excited  the  fierce  displeasure  of  the  British  govern- 
ment, especially  against  Boston  ; and  in  March,  1774, 
“ the  Boston  port  bill,”  so  called,  was  passed,  prohibit- 
ing all  commercial  intercourse  wfith  that  city.  Another 
bill  subverted  the  charter-government  of  Massachu- 
setts, vesting  the  appointment  of  the  council  and 
judges  in  the  crown ; and  a third,  shortly  after,  em- 
powered the-  governor  to  send  persons  indicted  for 
capital  offenses,  to  another  colony,  or  to  Great  Britain, 
for  trial.  These  violent  proceedings  awakened  the 
greatest  indignation  throughout  the  colonies.  All 
made  common  cause  with  Massachusetts.  In  the  fall 
of  1774,  a general  congress  met  at  Philadelphia,  and 
adopted  a declaration  of  rights  and  grievances,  and 
agreed  to  an  entire  suspension  of  all  commercial  inter- 
course with  Great  Britain,  until  the  repeal  of  the  acts 
of  which  they  complained.  They  likewise  voted  an 
address  to  the  king;  another  to  the  people  of  Great 
Britain,  and  a third  to  the  inhabitants  of  Canada. 
These  peaceful  measures  for  redress  proving  in- 
effectual the  feeling  of  the  necessity  of  resisting  by 


BLOODSHED  AT  LEXINGTON. 


203 


force  became  quite  general  in  the  colonies.  Prepara- 
tions began  to  be  made ; warlike  stores  were  collected, 
and  the  people  began  to  arm.  In  Massachusetts, 
Governor  Gage  had  convoked  the  legislative  assembly, 
but  afterward  judged  it  expedient  to  countermand  the 
meeting.  Notwithstanding  this,  the  assembly  con- 
vened, and,  the  governor  not  appearing,  organized 
themselves,  and  adopted  a plan  for  the  defense  of  the 
province.  They  resolved  to  raise  a force  of  twelve 
thousand  men,  and  to  request  the  other  New-England 
states  to  increase  the  number  to  twenty  thousand. 
Early  the  next  year,  (1775)  parliament,  in  spite  of  the 
conciliatory  counsels  of  the  Earl  of  Chatham,  pro- 
ceeded to  pass  a bill  restraining  still  further  the  trade 
of  New  England.  Soon  after,  restrictions  were  im- 
posed upon  the  middle  and  southern  colonies,  except 
New  York,  Delaware,  and  North  Carolina.  These 
exceptions  were  made  with  a view  to  produce  dissen- 
sions among  the  colonies  ; but  it  failed  of  its  object. 
This  brings  us  to  the  commencement  of  actual  hos- 
tilities. General  Gage,  the  royal  governor  of  Massa- 
chusetts, sent  a detachment  of  eight  hundred  soldiers 
. to  destroy  some  military  stores  which  were  deposited 
at  Concord.  On  their  way,  they  arrived  at  Lexington, 
on  the  morning  of  the  19th  of  April,  1775,  where  they 
found  a company  of  provincial  militia  assembled  on 
parade.  This  company,  not  instantly  obeying  an  or- 
der to  throw  down  their  arms  and  disperse,  were 
fired  upon,  and  eight  of  their  number  killed.  The 
detachment  proceeded  to  Concord,  and  destroyed  the 
stores,  though  not  without  opposition  and  bloodshed. 
But  the  spirit  of  the  people  was  up;  and  on  their 


204  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN -MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

return  to  Boston,  the  British  were  harassed  the  whole 
way,  and  continually  fired  upon  from  behind  walls, 
buildings  and  fences.  The  British  loss,  in  killed, 
wounded  and  missing,  amounted  to  nearly  three 
hundred  ; the  American,  to  less  than  one-third  of  that 
number. 

The  vigilant  patriots  of  Massachusetts,  then  the 
very  hot-bed  of  rebellion,  early  perceived  the  neces- 
sity of  securing  Ticonderoga  the  moment  hostilities 
should  commence.  Early  in  March,  1775,  Samuel 
Adams  and  Joseph  Warren,  members  of  the  com- 
mittee of  correspondence  of  Boston,  sent  a secret 
agent  into  Canada,  to  ascertain  the  opinions  and 
temper  of  the  people  of  that  province,  concerning  the 
great  questions  at  issue,  and  the  momentous  events 
then  pending.  After  a diligent  but  cautious  per- 
formance of  this  delicate  task,  the  agent  sent  word  to 
them  from  Montreal,  that  the  people  were,  at  best, 
lukewarm ; and  advised  that,  the  moment  hostilities 
commenced,  Ticonderoga  and  its  garrison  should  be 
seized.  This  advice  was  coupled  with  the  positive 
assertion,  that  the  people  of  the  Hew -Hampshire 
Grants  were  ready  to  undertake  the  bold  enterprise. 
Within  three  weeks  after  this  information  was  received 
by  Adams  and  Warren,  the  battle  of  Lexington 
occurred.  This  event  aroused  the  whole  country, 
and  the  patriots  flocked  from  all  quarters  to  Boston. 
The  provincial  assembly  of  Connecticut  was  then  in 
session,  and  a plan  was  there  concerted  for  surprising 
Ticonderoga,  and  seizing  the  cannon  in  that  fortress 
for  the  use  of  the  army  then  gathering  in  the  vicinity 
of  Boston.  The  whole  p~an  and  proceedings  were 


EXPEDITION  AGAINST  TICONDEKOGA. 


205 


of  a private  character,  without  the  public  sanction 
of  the  assembly,  but  with  its  full  knowledge  and 
tacit  approbation.  A committee  was  appointed,  with 
instructions  to  proceed  to  the  frontier  towns,  inquire 
into  the  state  of  the  garrison,  and,  should  they  deem 
it  expedient,  raise  men  and  take  possession  of  it. 
Eighteen  hundred  dollars  were  supplied  by  the  pro- 
vincial territory,  to  purchase  arms  and  ammunition, 
and  defray  the  other  expenses  of  the  expedition.  On 
their  way  to  Bennington,  to  lay  their  plans  before 
Ethan  Allen  and  secure  his  cooperation,  they  en 
listed  between  forty  and  fifty  volunteers,  among  whom 
was  Colonel  James  Easton,  of  Pittsfield,  Massachusetts. 
On  arriving  at  Bennington,  they  found  that  Ethan 
Allen  was  already  preparing  to  accomplish  the  pro- 
posed object.  He  was  chosen  the  commander  of  the 
expedition ; Colonel  Easton  was  appointed  second  in 
command,  and  Seth  Warren,  the  third.  Colonel 
Allen’s  Green-Mountain  Boys,  to  the  number  of  two 
hundred  and  thirty,  were  speedily  in  readiness,  and 
on  the  7th  of  May  the  little  army  reached  Castleton. 
It  was  there  decided  that  Colonel  Allen  and  the 

t 

principal  officers,  with  the  main  body  of  their  forces, 
consisting  of  about  one  hundred  and  forty  men, 
should  march  directly  to  Shoreham,  opposite  to 
Ticonderoga ; that  Captain  Herrick,  with  thirty  men, 
should  keep  on  to  Skenesborough,  (now  Whitehall,) 
at  the  head  of  Lake  Champlain,  seize  the  establish- 
ment of  Major  Skene,  and  hasten  with  the  boats  and 
stores  they  might  capture,  to  join  Allen  at  Shoreham ; 
and  that  Captain  Drylas  should  proceed  to  Panton, 
and  secure  every  boat  or  bateau  that  should  fall  in 


206  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

his  way.  They  were  joined  at  Castleton  by  Colonel 
Benedict  Arnold,  who,  in  the  French  wars,  had 
greatly  distinguished  himself,  at  the  battles  in  the 
vicinity  of  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point.  Possess- 
ing great  genius,  a restless  character,  and  an  intre- 
pidity bordering  upon  madness,  he  seems  to  have 
conceived  the  same  plan.  To  this  end,  he  had  con- 
ferred with  the  committee  of  safety  of  Massachusetts, 
who  appointed  him  colonel,  with  authority  to  enlist 
volunteers  for  the  attempt  to  capture  Ticonderoga. 
In  pursuance  of  this  arrangement  he  proceeded  to 
Castleton,  and  his  surprise  was  extreme  at  finding 
himself  anticipated.  But,  as  nothing  could  delight 
him  more  than  to  engage  in  this  hazardous  service 
he  consented,  after  being  assured  that  the  Green 
Mountain  Boys  would  serve  only  under  their  favorite 
leader,  to  put  himself  under  the  command  of  Colonel 
Allen.  It  was  deemed  essential  to  the  success  of 
the  enterprise,  that  it  should  be  conducted  with  pro- 
found secrecy,  and  sentinels  were  posted  upon  all  the 
roads,  to  prevent  any  rumor  of  their  approach  from 
reaching  the  menaced  point.  Allen,  with  his  little  , 
army,  reached  Shoreham,  opposite  Ticonderoga,  on 
the  night  of  May  9th,  1775.  It  was  important  to 
have  a guide  who  was  acquainted  with  the  grcjunds 
around  the  fortress,  and  the  places  of  access.  Allen 
made  inquiries  as  to  those  points,  of  Mr.  Beman,  a 
farmer  residing  on  the  shore  of  the  lake.  He  replied 
that  he  seldom  crossed  to  Ticonderoga,  and  had  no 
special  knowledge  in  regard  to  the  internal  arrange- 
ment of  the  fortress  ; but  that  his  son  Hathan,  a young 
lad,  passed  much  of  his  time  there  in  company  with 


ATTACK  ON  TICONDEROGA. 


207  ' 


the  boys  of  the  garrison.  Nathan  was  called,  and  ap 
peared  by  his  answers  to  be  familiar  with  every  part 
of  the  fort,  and  every  passage  by  which  it  conld  be 
approached.  In  the  opinion  of  Ethan  Allen,  he  was 
the  very  person  to  guide  him  in  the  enterprise;  and  by 
the  consent  of  his  father,  and  a little  persuasion,  Na- 
than Beman  was  engaged  for  that  purpose.  But  a 
serious  difficulty  now  occurred.  They  had  but  a few 
boats,  and  none  had  been  sent  from  Skenesborough  or 
Panton.  The  day  began  to  dawn,  and  only  the  officers 
and  eighty-three  men  had  crossed  the  lake.  Delay 
was  hazardous,  for  the  garrison,  if  aroused,  would 
make  stout  resistance.  Allen,  therefore,  resolved  not 
to  wait  for  the  rear  division  to  cross,  but  to  attack  the 
fort  at  once.  He  drew  up  his  men  in  three  ranks  upon 
the  shore,  and  in  low  but  distinct  tones,  briefly  ha- 
rangued them;  and  then,  placing  himself  at  their  head, 
with  Arnold  by  his  side,  they  marched  quickly  but 
stealthily  up  the  height  to  the  sally-port.  The  sentinel 
snapped  his  fusee  at  the  commander,  but  it  missed 
fire,  and  he  retreated  within  the  fort  under  a covered 
way.  The  Americans  followed  close  upon  his  heels, 
and  were  thus  guided  by  the  alarmed  fugitive  directly 
to  the  parade  within  the  barracks.  There  another 
sentinel  made  a thrust  at  Colonel  Easton,  but  a blow 
upon  the  head  from  Allen’s  sword  made  him  beg  for 
quarter,  and  the  patriots  met  with  no  further  resist- 
ance. As  they  rushed  into  the  parade,  they  gave  a 
tremendous  shout,  and  filing  off  into  two  divisions, 
formed  a line  of  forty  men  along  each  of  the  two  ranges 
of  barracks.  The  aroused  garrison  leaped  from  their 
pallets,  seized  their  arms  and  rushed  for  the  parade, 


208  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

but  only  to  be  made  prisoners  by  the  intrepid  New- 
Englanders.  Allen  demanded  to  be  shown  to  the 
apartment  of  Captain  Delap] ace,  the  commandant  of 
the  garrison.  It  was  pointed  out,  and  Colonel  Allen, 
with  Nathan  Beman  at  his  elbow,  who  knew  the  way, 
hastily  ascended  the  stairs,  which  were  attached  to  the 
outside  of  the  barracks,  and  called  out  with  a voice  of 
thunder  at  the  door,  ordering  the  astonished  captain 
instantly  to  appear,  or  the  whole  garrison  should  be 
sacrificed ! Startled  at  so  strange  and  unexpected  a 
summons,  he  sprung  from  his  bed  and  opened  the.  door, 
when  the  first  salutation  of  his  boisterous  and  unsea- 
sonable visitor  was  an  order  immediately  to  surrender 
the  fort.  Rubbing  his  eyes  and  trying  to  collect  his 
scattered  senses,  the  captain  asked  by  what  authority 
he  presumed  to  make  such  a demand.  “In  the  name 
of  the  Great  Jehovah  and  the  Continental  Congress !” 
replied  Allen.*  The  commandant  began  to  remon- 
strate, but  Colonel  Allen  cut  short  the  thread  of  his 
discourse  by  lifting  his  sword  over  his  head,  and  reit- 
erating the  demand  for  an  immediate  surrender.  Hav- 
ing neither  permission  to  argue  nor  power  to  resist, 
Captain  Delaplace  submitted,  ordering  his  men  to  pa- 
rade without  arms,  and  the  garrison  was  given  up  to 

* This  is  the  language  of  Allen  as  given  by  himself  in  his  narrative. 
But  it  was  asserted  by  those  who  stood  near  him,  that  his  demand  was 
enforced  by  an  emphatic  oath.  Lossing  [see  “ Field-Book  of  the  Revo- 
lution,”] was  told  by  the  surviving  brother  of  a man  named  Rice,  who 
stood  at  Allen’s  side,  that  he  exclaimed,  “ In  the  name  of  the  Great  Je- 
hovah and  the  Continental  Congress,  by .”  “ Delaplace.”  says 

Lossing,  “ had  about  as  much  respect  for  the  * Continental  Congress  ’ as 
Allen  had  for ‘Jehovah,*  and  they  respectively  relied  upon  a»  i feared 
powder  and  ball  more  than  either.” 


CAPTURE  OF  CROWN  POINT. 


209 


the  victors.  It  is  a singular  fact  that  the  u Continental 
Congress,”  instead  of  authorizing  Allen  to  take  Ticon- 
deroga,  were  entirely  ignorant  of  the  enterprise,  and 
did  not  meet  for  organization  until  six  hours  after  the 
surrender  of  the  fortress.  This  achievement,  besides 
being  the  first  on  the  part  of  the  patriots,  was  of  the 
utmost  importance.  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point 
commanded  the  great  avenue  between  Canada  and 
the  other  colonies,  and  its  possession  gave  the  Ameri- 
cans facilities  for  the  subsequent  brilliant  campaign  in 
Canada,  and  the  military  spoils  taken  by  Allen  were 
of  incalculable  benefit  to  the  army  near  Boston. 
These  spoils  consisted  of  one  hundred  and  twenty 
pieces  of  iron  cannon,  fifty  swivels,  ten  tons  of  musket- 
balls,  three  cart-loads  of  flints,  thirty  new  carriages,  a 
considerable  quantity  of  shells,  a warehouse  full  of 
material  for  boat-building,  and  a large  quantity  of 
other  stores. 

Warner  crossed  the  lake  with  the  rear  division,  and 
marched  up  to  the  fort  just  after  the  surrender  was 
made.  He  was  immediately  dispatched  against  Crown 
Point,  but  a strong  head-wind  drove  his  boats  back, 
and  he  returned  to  Ticonderoga.  He  renewed  the 
attempt  on  the.  12th  of  May,  and  succeeded  in  obtain- 
ing possession  of  the  fortress  without  bloodshed.  Thus 
another  strong  position  was  secured,  and  a great  addi- 
tion was  made  to  the  munitions  of  war  acquired  at  Ti- 
conderoga. Previous  to  this  affair,  Colonel  Allen  had 
sent  a messenger  to  Captain  Remember  Baker,  who 
was  at  Winooski  River,  requesting  him  to  join  the  army 
at  Ticonderoga  with  as  large  a number  of  men  as  he 
could  assemble.  Baker  obeyed  the  summons ; and 


210  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

when  he  was  coming  up  the  lake  with  his  party,  he 
met  two  small  boats,  which  had  been  dispatched  from 
Crown  Point  to  carry  intelligence  of  the  reduction  of 
Ticonderoga  to  St.  John’s  and  Montreal,  and  solicit  re- 
inforcements. The  boats  were  seized  by  Baker,  and 
he  arrived  at  Crown  Point  just  in  time  to  unite  with 
Warner  in  taking  possession  of  that  post.  Thus  the 
main  object  of  the  expedition  was  attained  ; but  the 
troubles  of  the  leaders  were  not  at  an  end.  No  sooner 
had  the  fort  surrendered,  than  Arnold  assumed  the 
command,  affirming  that  he  was  the  only  officer  in- 
vested with  legal  authority.  His  pretensions  were  not 
heeded,  and  although  he  was  vehement  and  positive, 
yet  it  was  in  vain  to  issue  orders  which  nobody  would 
obey ; and  finally  he  consented  to  a sort  of  divided 
control  between  Colonel  Allen  and  himself,  he  acting 
as  a subordinate,  but  not  wholly  without  official  con- 
sideration. 

But  the  plan  of,  the  captors  of  Ticonderoga  would 
not  have  been  complete  had  they  not  secured  to  them- 
selves the  exclusive  control  of  the  lake,  to  accomplish 
which  it  was  necessary  to  take  a corvette  the  Eng- 
lish kept  stationed  near  St.  John’s  at  the  north  end  of 
Lake  Champlain.  They  resolved,  therefore,  to  arm  a 
schooner,  (taken  at  Skenesborough)  for  the  purpose, 
the  command  of  which  was  given  to  Arnold,  while 
Allen  was  to  follow  him  in  flat-boats  with  a reinforce- 
ment. The  wind  blowing  fresh  from  the  south,  the 
vessel  of  Arnold  left  the  flat-boats  far  in  the  rear.  He 
approached  the  corvette  unexpectedly,  the  captain  of 
which  was  far  from  apprehending  the  danger  that 
menaced  him,  and  took  possession  of  it  without 


PREPARATIONS  FOR  THE  WAR. 


211 


resistance ; and,  as  if  Heaven  was  pleased  to  distin- 
guish with  evident  tokens  of  its  favor  these  first 
achievements  of  the  Americans,  the  wind  suddenly 
changed  from  south  to  north,  so  that,  in  a few  hours, 
Colonel  Arnold  returned  safely  to  Ticonderoga. 

Colonel  Allen  exhibited  great  discretion  in  his  new 
position.  An  account  of  his  expedition  was  sent  to 
the  Massachusetts,  Connecticut  and  New-York  com- 
mittees of  safety,  with  an  urgent  solicitation  for  a re- 
inforcement of  his  brave  little  army,  and  a supply  of 
provisions.  These  were  accordingly  sent,  and  meas- 
ures were  taken  to  organize  an  army  at  the  north  for 
the  defense  of  Lake  Champlain.  In  the  accomplish- 
ment of  this  object,  and  in  the  hope  of  having  an  ex- 
pedition sent  against  Montreal  and  Quebec,  Allen  vis- 
ited the  provincial  Congress  at  Hew  York,  as  well  as 
the  general  Congress  at  Philadelphia.  Some  opposition 
was  made  to  his  appearance  before  the  former  of  these 
bodies,  on  account  of  the  troubles  existing  between 
New  York  and  the  New-Hampshire  Grants,  and  the 
prominent  part  taken  by  Allen  in  the  hostilities  result- 
ing from*them.  But  the  majority  felt  the  importance 
of  forgetting  local  controversies  in  the  impending  con- 
test with  the  mother  country,  and  Ethan  Allen  was 
treated  with  the  cordiality  due  to  one  engaged  with 
them  in  a great  cause,  and  with  the  distinction  merited 
by  one  whose  services  had  been  of  the  most  important 
character.  Allen’s  representation  had  immense  influ- 
ence, not  only  in  favor  of  his  projects  for  the  conquest 
of  the  British  army  in  Canada,  but  in  fixing  the  de- 
termination of  Congress  and  the  country  to  resist,  by 
force  of  arms,  the  tyrannical  measures  of  the  British 


212  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

government.  While  on  his  way  to  lay  his  schemes 
before  the  Continental  Congress,  he  visited  Bennington, 
where  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dewey  preached,  before  him  and 
other  officers,  a sermon  on  the  capture  of  Ticonderoga. 
In  his  prayer,  Mr.  Dewey,  with  much  fervor,  poured 
forth  his  thanks  to  the  Lord  for  having  given  the  pos- 
session of  this  important  fortress  into  the  hands  of  a 
people  struggling  for  the  defense  of  their  dearest 
rights.  Allen  was  displeased,  and  as  the  preacher 
continued  in  this  strain  of  thanksgiving,  the  bluff  old 
hero  cried  out,  “ Parson  Dewey ! ” The  reverend  gen- 
tleman gave  no  heed  to  the  interruption.  Allen  ex- 
claimed still  louder,  “Parson  Dewey!”  But  as  the 
minister  pursued  his  prayer,  Allen  sprung  to  his  feet 
and  roared  out  in  a voice  of  thunder,  “Parson  Dewey!” 
The  clergyman  opened  his  eyes  and  gazed  with  aston- 
ishment at  Allen.  The  latter  then  said  with  great 
energy,  “ Parson  Dewey,  please  make  mention  of  my 
being  there ! ” * 

But  Ethan  Allen,  who  has  the  imperishable  honor  of 
achieving  the  first  momentous  enterprise  in  the  his- 
tory of  the  American  Revolution,  had  the  rflisfortune, 
soon  afterward,  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  British, 
and  to  be  carried  a prisoner  to  England.  The  narra- 
tive of  this  captivity,  written  by  Allen  after  his  return 
to  Vermont,  will  form  the  remainder  of  the  present 
chapter,  in  order  that  the  subsequent  history  of  the 
part  taken  by  the  Green-Mountain  Heroes  in  the 
Revolution,  may  be  given  without  interruption.  The 

* This  anecdote  is  given  on  the  authority  of  Aaron  Robinson,  Esq., 
son  of  Moses  Robinson,  the  second  governor  of  Vermont,  and  is  un- 
doubtedly authentic. 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’s  CAPTIVITY.  213 

“ Narrative”  was  first  published  in  1779.  “The  critic,” 
he  says  in  the  original  Preface,  “ will  be  pleased  to  ex- 
cuse any  inaccuracies  in  the  performance  itself,  as 
the  author  has  unfortunately  missed  of  a liberal  edu- 
cation.” The  Narrative,  the  faults  of  which  the  author 
so  happily  excuses,  is  here  republished,  without  alter- 
ation, from  the  original  edition  : 

NARRATIVE. 

Ever  since  I arrived  at  the  state  of  manhood,  and 
acquainted  myself  with  the  general  history  of  mankind, 
I have  felt  a sincere  passion  for  liberty.  The  history 
of  nations,  doomed  to  perpetual  slavery,  in  consequence 
of  yielding  up  to  tyrants  their  natural-born  liberties,  I 
read  with  a sort  of  philosophical  horror ; so  that  the 
first  systematical  and  bloody  attempt,  at  Lexington,  to 
enslave  America,  thoroughly  electrified  my  mind,  and 
fully  determined  me  to  take  part  with  my  country. 
And,  while  I was  wishing  for  an  opportunity  to  signal- 
ize myself  in  its  behalf,  directions  were  privately  sent 
to  me  from  the  then  colony,  (now  state)  of  Connecti- 
cut, to  raise  the  Green-Mountain  Boys,  and,  if  possible, 
with  them  to  surprise  and  take  the  fortress  of  Ticonde- 
roga.  This  enterprise  I cheerfully  undertook ; and, 
after  first  guarding  all  the  several  passes  that  led 
thither,  to  cut  off  all  intelligence  between  the  garrison 
and  the  country,  made  a forced  march  from  Benning- 
ton, and  arrived  at  the  lake  opposite  to  Ticonderoga, 
on  the  evening  of  the  ninth  day  of  May,  1775,  with 
two  hundred  and  thirty  valiant  Green-Mountain  Boys ; 
and  it  was  with  the  utmost  difficulty  that  I procured 
boats  to  cross  the  lake.  However,  I landed  eighty- 
three  men  near  the  garrison,  and  sent  the  boats  back 
for  the  rear  guard,  commanded  by  Col.  Seth  Warner, 
but  the  day  began  to  dawn,  and  I found  myself  under 
the  necessity  to  attack  the  fort,  before  the  rear  could 
cross  the  lake;  and,  as  it  was  viewed  hazardous,  I 
harangued  the  officers  and  soldiers  in  the  manner 
following : — 


214  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROICS. 

“Friends  and  fellow  soldiers,  Yon  have,  for  a num 
ber  of  years  past  been  a scourge  and  terror  to  arbitrary 
power.  Your  valor  has  been  famed  abroad,  and  ac- 
knowledged, as  appears  by  the  advice  and  orders  to 
me,  from  the  General  Assembly  of  Connecticut,  to 
surprise  and  take  the  garrison  now  before  us.  I now 
propose  to  advance  before  you,  and,  in  person,  conduct 
you  through  the  wicket-gate ; for  we  must  this  morning 
either  quit  our  pretensions  to  valor,  or  possess  ourselves 
of  this  fortress  in  a few  minutes ; and-,  inasmuch  as  it 
is  a desperate  attempt,  which  none  but  the  bravest  of 
men  dare  undertake,  I do  not  urge  it  on  any  contrary 
to  his  will.  You  that  will  undertake  voluntarily,  poise 
your  firelocks.” 

The  men  being,  at  this  time,  drawn  up  in  three  ranks, 
each  poised  his  firelock.  I ordered  them  to  face  to  the 
right,  and  at  the  head  of  the  centre-file,  marched  them 
immediately  to  the  wicket-gate  aforesaid,  where  I found 
a sentry  posted,  who  instantly  snapped  his  fusee  at 
me ; I ran  immediately  towards  him,  and  he  retreated 
through  the  covered  way  into  the  parade  within  the 
garrison,  gave  a halloo,  and  ran  under  a bomb-proof. 
My  party,  who  followed  me  into  the  fort,  I formed  on 
the  parade  in  such  a manner  as  to  face  the  two  bar- 
racks which  faced  each  other. 

The  garrison  being  asleep,  except  the  sentries,  we 
gave  three  huzzas  which  greatly  surprised  them.  One 
of  the  sentries  made  a pass  at  one  of  my  officers  with 
a charged  bayonet,  and  slightly  wounded  him : My 
first  thought  was  to  kill  him  with  my  sword ; but,  in 
an  instant,  I altered  the  design  and  fury  of  the  blow 
to  a slight  cut  on  the  side  of  the  head,  upon  which  he 
dropped  his  gun,  and  asked  quarter,  which  I readily 
granted  him,  and  demanded  of  him  the  place  where 
the  commanding  officer  kept;  he  shewed  me  a pair 
of  stairs  in  the  front  of  a barrack,  on  the  west  part  of 
he  garrison,  which  led  up  to  a second  story  in  said 
oarrack,  to  which  I immediately  repaired,  and  ordered 
he  commander,  Capt.  De  la  Place,  to  come  forth  in- 
stantly, or  I would  sacrifice  the  whole  garrison ; at 
.vhich  the  Capt.  came  immediately  to  the  door,  with 


OLD  TICONDEROGA. 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVIT*. 


215 


his  breeches  in  his  hand  ; when  I ordered  him  to 
deliver  me  the  fort  instantly ; he  asked  me  by  what 
authority  I demanded  it : I answered  him,  “ In  the 
name  of  the  great  Jehovah , and  the  Continental 
Congress The  authority  of  the  Congress  being  very 
litle  known  at  that  time,  he  began  to  speak  again ; but 
I interrupted  him,  and  with  my  drawn  sword  over 
his  head,  again  demanded  an  immediate  surrender  of 
the  garrison  ; with  which  he  then  complied,  and  ordered 
his  men  to  be  forthwith  paraded  without  arms,  as  he 
had  given  up  the  garrison.  In  the  mean  time  some 
of  my  officers  had  given  orders,  and  in  consequence 
thereof,  sundry  of  the  barrack  doors  were  beat  down, 
and  about  one  third  of  the  garrison  imprisoned,  which 
consisted  of  the  said  commander,  a Lieut.  Feltham,  a 
conductor  of  artillery,  a gunner,  two  serjeants,  and 
forty-four  rank  and  file ; about  one  hundred  pieces  of 
cannon,  one  thirteen  inch  mortar,  and  a number  of 
swivels.  This  surprise  was  carried  into  execution  in 
the  grey  of  the  morning  of  the  tenth  of  May,  1 775.  The 
sun  seemed  to  rise  that  morning  with  a superior  lustre ; 
and  Ticonderoga  and  its  dependencies  smiled  to  its 
conquerors,  who  tossed  about  the  flowing  bowl,  and 
wished  success  to  Congress,  and  the  liberty  and  freedom 
of  America.  Happy  it  was  for  me,  at  that  time,  that 
the  then  future  pages  of  the  book  of  fate,  which  after- 
wards unfolded  a miserable  scene  of  two  years  and 
eight  months  imprisonment  were  hid  from  my  view. 

But  to  return  to  my  narrative:  Col.  Warner,  with 
the  rear  guard,  crossed  the  lake,  and  joined  me  early 
in  the  morning,  whom  I sent  off,  without  loss  of  time 
with  about  one  hundred  men,  to  take  possession  of 
Crown  Point,  which  was  garrisoned  with  a serjeanl 
and  twelve  men ; which  he  took  possession  of  the  same 
day,  as  also  of  upwards  of  one  hundred  pieces  of  can- 
non. But  one  thing  now  remained  to  be  done,  to  make 
ourselves  complete  masters  of  lake  Champlain ; this 
was  to  possess  ourselves  of  a sloop  of  war,  which  was 
then  lying  at  St.  Johns  ; to  effect  vjiich,  it  was  agreed 
in  a council  of  war,  to  arm  and  man  out  a certain 
schooner,  which  lay  at  South  Bay,  and  that  Capt.  (now 


216  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

general)  Arnold  should  command  her,  and  that  I should 
command  the  batteaux.  The  necessary  preparations 
being  made,  we  set  6ail  from  Ticonderoga,  in  quest  of 
the  sloop,  which  was  much  larger,  and  carried  more 
guns  and  heavier  metal  than  the  schooner.  General 
Arnold,  with  the  schooner,  sailing  faster  than  the  bat- 
teaux, arrived  at  St.  Johns ; and  by  surprise,  possessed 
himself  of  the  sloop,  before  I could  arrive  with  the 
batteaux : He  also  made  prisoners  of  a serjeant  and 
twelve  men,  who  were  garrisoned  at  that  place.  It  is 
worthy  of  remark  that  as  soon  as  General  Arnold  had 
secured  the  prisoners  on  board,  and  had  made  prepara- 
tion for  sailing,  the  wind,  which  but  a few  hours  before 
was  fresh  in  the  south,  and  well  served  to  carry  us  to 
St.  Johns,  now  shifted,  and  came  fresh  from  the  north  ; 
and  in  about  one  hour’s  time,  General  Arnold  sailed 
with  the  prize  and  schooner  for  Ticonderoga.  When 
I met  him  with  my  party,  within  a few  miles  of  St. 
Johns,  he  saluted  me  with  a discharge  of  cannon,  which 
I returned  with  a volley  of  small  arms.  This  being 
repeated  three  times,  I went  on  board  the  sloop  with 
my  party,  where  several  loyal  Congress  healths  were 
drank. 

We  were  now  masters  of  lake  Champlain,  and  the 
garrison  depending  thereon.  This  success  I viewed 
of  consequence  in  the  scale  of  American  politics ; for, 
if  a settlement  between  the  then  colonies  and  Great 
Britain,  had  soon  taken  place,  it  would  have  been  easy 
to  have  restored  these  acquisitions ; but  viewing  the 
then  future  consequences  of  a cruel  war,  as  it  has  really 
proved  to  be,  and  the  command  of  that  lake,  garrisons, 
artillery,  &c.,  it  must  be  viewed  to  be  of  signal  import- 
ance to  the  American  cause,  and  it  is  marvellous  to  me 
that  we  ever  lost  the  command  of  it.  Nothing  but 
taking  a Burgoyne  with  a whole  British  army,  could, 
in  my  opinion,  atone  for  it ; and  notwithstanding  such 
an  extraordinary  victory,  we  must  be  obliged  to  regain 
the  command  of  that  lake  again,  be  the  cost  what  it 
will ; by  doing  this  Canada  will  easily  be  brought  into 
union  and  confederacy  with  the  United  States  of 
America.  Such  an  event  would  uut  it  out  of  the 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  OAPTIVI'I  r 217 

power  of  the  western  tribes  of  Indians  to  carry  on  a 
war  with  us,  and  be  a solid  and  durable  bar  against 
any  further  inhuman  barbarities  committed  on  our 
frontier  inhabitants,  by  cruel  and  blood-thirsty  sav- 
ages ; for  it  is  impossible  to  carry  on  a war,  except 
they  are  supported  by  the  trade  and  commerce  of  some 
civilized  nation ; which  to  them  would  be  impracticable, 
did  Canada  compose  a part  of  the  American  empire. 

Early  in  the  fall  of  the  year,  the  little  army  under 
the  command  of  the  Generals  Schuyler  and  Montgom-, 
ery,  were  ordered  to  advance  into  Canada.  I was  at 
Ticonderoga,  when  this  order  arrived ; and  the  Gen- 
erals, with  most  of  the  field  officers,  requested  me  to 
attend  them  in  the  expedition ; and,  though  at  that 
time  1 had  no  commission  from  Congress,  yet  they 
engaged  me,  that  I should  be  considered  as  an  officer, 
the  same  as  though  I had  a commission  ; and  should, 
as  occasion  might  require,  command  certain  detach- 
ments of  the  army.  This  I considered  as  an  honorable 
offer,  and  did  not  hesitate  to  comply  with  it,  and 
advanced  with  the  army  to  the  Isle-aux-Noix ; from 
whence  I was  ordered  by  the  General,  to  go  in  company 
with  Major  Brown,  and  certain  interpreters,  through 
the  woods  into  Canada,  with  letters  to  the  Canadians, 
and  to  let  them  know  that  the  design  of  the  army  was 
only  against  the  English  garrisons,  and  not  the  country, 
their  liberties,  or  religion ; and  having,  through  much 
danger,  negotiated  this  business,  I returned  to  the  Isle- 
aux-JSToix  in  the  fore  part  of  September,  when  General 
Schuyler  returned  to  Albany ; and  in  consequence  the 
command  devolved  upon  General  Montgomery,  whom 
I assisted  in  laying  a line  of  circumvallation  round  the 
fortress  of  St.  Johns.  After  which  I was  ordered,  by 
the  General,  to  make  a second  tour  into  Canada,  upon 
nearly  the  same  design  a9  before ; and  withal  to 
observe  the  disposition,  designs  and  movements  of  the 
inhabitants  of  the  country.  This  reconnoiter  I under- 
took reluctantly,  choosing  rather  to  assist  at  the  seige 
of  St.  J ohns,  which  was  then  closely  invested  ; but  my 
esteem  for  the  general’s  person,  and  opinion  of  him  as 
a politician  and  brave  officer  induced  me  to  proceed. 


218  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROE8. 

I passed  through  all  the  parishes  on  the  river  Sorel, 
to  a parish  at  the  mouth  of  the  same,  which  is  called 
by  the  same  name,  preaching  politics ; and  went  from 
thence  across  the  Sorel  to  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  and 
up  the  river  through  the  parishes  to  Longueuil,  and  so 
far  met  with  good  success  as  an  itinerant.  In  this 
round  my  guard  were  Canadians,  my  interpreter,  and 
some  few  attendants  excepted.  On  the  morning  of  the 
24th  day  of  September,  I set  out  with  my  guard  of 
about  eighty  men,  fronf  Longueuil,  to  go  to  Laprairie  ; 
from  whence  I determined  to  go  to  General  Montgom- 
ery’s camp  ; but  had  not  advanced  two  miles  before  I 
met  with  Major  Brown,  who  has  since  been  advanced 
to  the  rank  of  a Colonel,  who  desired  me  to  halt,  saying 
that  he  had  something  of  importance  to  communicate 
to  me  and  my  confidants  ; upon  which  I halted  the 
party,  and  went  into  a house,  and  took  a private  room 
with  him  and  several  of  my  associates,  where  Col. 
Brown  proposed  that,  “provided  I would  return  to 
Longueuil,  and  procure  some  canoes,  so  as  to  cross  the 
the  river  St.  Lawrence  a little  north  of  Montreal,  he 
would  cross  it  a little  to  the  south  of  the  town,  with 
near  two  hundred  men,  as  he  had  boats  sufficient ; and 
that  we  could  make,  ourselves  masters  of  Montreal.” 
This  plan  was  readily  approved  by  me  and  those  in 
council ; and  in  consequence  of  which  I returned  to 
Longueuil,  collected  a few  canoes,  and  added  about 
thirty  English-Americans  to  my  party,  and  crossed 
the  river  in  the  night  of  the  24th,  agreeably  to  the 
before  proposed  plan. 

My  whole  party  at  this  time,  consisted  of  about 
one  hundred  and  ten  men,  near  eighty  of  whom  were 
Canadians.  We  were  most  of  the  night  crossing  the 
river,  as  we  had  so  few  canoes  that  they  had  to  pass 
and  repass  three  times,  to  cary  my  party  across.  Soon 
after  day -break,  I set  a guard  between  me  and  the 
town,  with  special  orders  to  let  no  person  pass  or  repass 
them,  another  guard  on  the  other  end  of  the  road,  with 
like  directions ; in  the  mean  time,  I reconnoitered  the 
best  ground  to  make  a defence,  expecting  Col.  Brown’s 
party  was  landed  on  the  other  side  of  the  town,  lie 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITY.  219 

having,  the  day  before,  agreed  to  give  three  huzzas 
with  his  men  early  in  the  morning,  which  signal  I was 
to  return,  that  we  might  each  know  that  both  parties 
were  landed  ; but  the  sun,  by  this  time,  being  nearly 
two  hours  high,  and  the  sign  failing,  I began  to  con- 
clude myself  to  be  in  a premunire,  and  would  have 
crossed  the  river  back  again,  but  I knew  the  enemy 
would  have  discovered  such  an  attempt ; and  as  there 
could  not  more  than  one  third  part  of  my  troops  cross 
at  a time,  the  other  two-thirds  would  of  course  fall  into 
their  hands.  This  I could  not  reconcile  to  my  own 
feelings  as  a man,  much  less  as  an  officer : I therefore 
concluded  to  maintain  the  ground,  if  possible,  and  all 
to  fare  alike.  In  consequence  of  this  resolution,  I des- 
patched two  messengers,  one  to  Laprairie,  to  Col.  Brown, 
and  the  other  to  l’Assomption,  a French  settlement,  to 
Mr.  Walker,  who  was  in  our  interest,  requesting  their 
speedy  assistance,  giving  them,  at  the  same  time  to 
understand  my  critical  situation.  In  the  mean  time 
6undry  persons  came  to  my  guards,  pretending  to  be 
friends,  but  were  by  them  taken  prisoners  and  brought 
to  me.  These  I ordered  to  confinement,  until  their 
friendship  could  be  further  confirmed  ; for  I was  jealous 
they  were  spies,  as  they  proved  to  be  afterwards.  One 
of  the  principal  of  them  making  his  escape,  exposed 
the  weakness  of  my  party,  which  was  the  final  cause 
of  my  misfortune ; for  I have  been  since  informed  that 
Mr.  Walker,  agreeably  to  my  desire,  exerted  himself, 
and  had  raised  a considerable  number  of  men  for  my 
assistance,  which  brought  him  into  difficulty  afterwards, 
but  upon  hearing  of  my  misfortune,  he  disbanded  them 
again. 

The  town  of  Montreal  was  in  a great  tumult.  General 
Carleton  and  the  royal  party,  made  every  preparation 
to  go  on  board  their  vessels  of  force,  as  I was  after- 
wards informed,  but  the  spy  escaped  from  my  guard  to 
the  town,  occasioned  an  alteration  in  their  policy,  and 
emboldened  Gen.  Carleton  to  send  the  force  which  he 
iiad  there  collected,  out  against  me.  I had  previously 
chosen  my  ground,  but  when  I saw  the  number  of  the 
enemy  as  they  sallied  out  of  the  town,  I perceived  it 


220  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

would  be  a day  of  trouble,  if  not  of  rebuke ; but  I had 
no  chance  to  flee,  as  Montreal  was  situated  on  an  island, 
and  the  St.  Lawrence  cut  off  my  communication  to 
General  Montgomery’s  camp.  I encouraged  my  sol- 
diery to  bravely  defend  themselves,  that  we  should 
soon  have  help,  and  that  we  should  be  able  to  keep  the 
ground,  if  no  more.  This,  and  much  more,  I aflirmed 
with  the  greatest  seeming  assurance,  and  which  in 
reality  I thought  to  be  in  some  degree  probable. 

The  enemy  consisted  of  not  more  than  forty  regular 
troops,  together  with  a mixed  multitude,  chiefly  Cana- 
dians, with  a number  of  English  who  lived  in  town, 
and  some  Indians  ; in  all  to  the  number  of  five  hundred. 

The  reader  will  notice  that  most  of  my  party  were 
Canadians ; indeed  it  was  a motely  parcel  of  soldiery 
which  composed  both  parties.  However,  the  enemy 
began  to  attack  from  wood-piles,  ditches,  buildings, 
and  such  like  places,  at  a considerable  distance,  and  I 
returned  the  fire  from  a situation  more  than  equally 
advantageous.  The  attack  began  between  two  and  three 
o’clock  in  the  afternoon,  just  before  which  I ordered  a 
volunteer  by  the  name  of  Richard  Young,  with  a de- 
tachment of  nine  men  as  a flank  guard,  which,  under 
the  cover  of  the  bank  of  the  river,  could  not  only  annoy 
the  enemy,  but  at  the  same  time,  serve  as  a flank  guard 
to  the  left  of  the  main  body. 

The  fire  continued  for  sometime  on  both  sides ; and 
I was  confident  that  such  a remote  method  of  attack 
could  not  carry  the  ground,  provided  it  should  be  con- 
tinued till  night : but  near  half  the  body  of  the  enemy 
began  to  flank  round  to  my  right ; upon  which  I ordered 
a volunteer  by  the  name  of  John  Dugan,  who  had 
lived  many  years  in  Canada,  and  understood  the 
French  language,  to  detach  about  fifty  Canadians,  and 
post  himself  at  an  advantageous  ditch,  which  was  on  my 
right,  to  prevent  my  being  surrounded  : He  advanced 
with  the  detachment,  but  instead  of  occupying  the  post, 
made  his  escape,  as  did  likewise  Mr.  Young  upon  the 
left,  with  their  detachments.  I soon  perceived  that  the 
enemy  was  in  possession  of  the  ground,  which  Dugan 
should  have  occupied.  A*"  this  time  I had  but  about 


N ARE  ATI  YE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAFITVITY.  221 

forty  five  men  with  me ; some  of  whom  were  wounded ; 
the  enemy  kept  closing  round  me,  nor  was  it  in  my 
power  to  prevent  it;  by  which  means, 'my  situation, 
which  was  advantageous  in  the  first  part  of  the  attack, 
ceased  to  be  so  in  the  last;  and  being  entirely  sur- 
rounded with  such  vast,  unequal  numbers,  I ordered 
a retreat,  but  found  that  those  of  the  enemy,  who  were 
of  the  country,  and  their  Indians,  could  run  as  fast 
as  my  men,  though  the  regulars  could  not.  Thus  I 
retreated  near  a mile,  and  some  of  the  enemy,  with  the 
savages,  kept  flanking  me,  and  others  crowded  hard 
in  the  rear.  In  fine,  I expected,  in  a very  short  time, 
to  try  the  world  of  spirits ; for  I was  apprehensive  that 
no  quarter  would  be  given  to  me,  and  therefore  had 
determined  to  sell  my  life  as  dear  as  I could.  One 
of  the  enemy’s  officers,  boldly  pressing  in  the  rear, 
discharged  his  fusee  at  me ; the  ball  whistled  near  me, 
as  did  many  others  that  day.  I returned  the  salute, 
and  missed  him,  as  running  had  put  us  both  out  of 
breath  ; for  I conclude  we  were  not  frightened  : I then 
saluted  him  with  my  tongue  in  a harsh  manner,  and 
told  him  that,  inasmuch  as  his  numbers  were  so  far 
superior  to  mine,  I would  surrender  provided  I could 
be  treated  with  honor,  and  be  assured  of  good  quarter 
for  myself  and  the  men  who  were  with  me ; and  he 
answered  I should  ; another  officer,  coming  up  directly 
after,  confirmed  the  treaty;  upon  which  I agreed  to 
surrender  with  my  party,  which  then  consisted  of 
thirty-one  effective  men,  and  seven  wounded.  I ordered 
them  to  ground  their  arms,  which  they  did. 

The  officer  I capitulated  with,  then  directed  me  and 
my  party  to  advance  towards  him,  which  was  done ; I 
handed  him  my  sword,  and  in  half  a minute  after,  a 
savage,  part  of  whose  head  was  shaved,  being  almost 
naked  and  painted,  with  feathers  intermixed  with  the 
hair  of  the  other  side  of  his  head,  came  running  to 
me  with  an  incredible  swiftness  ; he  seemed  to  advance 
with  more  than  mortal  speed ; as  he  approached  near 
me,  his  hellish  visage  was  beyond  all  description ; 
snake’6  eyes  appear  innocent  in  comparison  to  his  ; his 
features  extorted  ; malice,  death,  murder,  and  the  wrath 


222  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

of  devils  and  damned  spirits  are  the  emblems  of  his 
countenance ; and  in  less  than  twelve  feet  of  me,  pre- 
sented his  firelock ; at  the  instant  of  his  present,  I 
twitched  the  officer,  to  whom  I gave  my  sword,  between 
me  and  the  savage  ; but  he  flew  round  with  great  fury, 
trying  to  single  me  out  to  shoot  me  without  killing  the 
officer ; but  by  this  time  I was  nearly  as  nimble  as  he, 
keeping  the  officer  in  such  a position  that  his  danger 
was  my  defence ; but,  in  less  than  half  a minute,  I was 
attacked  by  just  such  another  imp  of  hell : Then  I 
made  the  officer  fly  around  with  incredible  velocity, 
for  a few  seconds  of  time,  when  I perceived  a Canadian, 
who  had  lost  one  eye,  as  appeared  afterwards,  taking 
my  part  against  the  savages ; and  in  an  instant  an 
Irishman  came  to 'my  assistance  with  a fixed  bayonet, 
and  drove  away  the  fiends,  swearing  by  he  would 
kill  them.  This  tragic  scene  composed  my  mind.  The 
escaping  from  so  awful  a death,  made  even  imprison- 
ment happy ; the  more  so  as  my  conquerors  on  the 
field  treated  me  with  great  civility  and  politeness. 

The  regular  officers  said  that  they  were  very  happy 
to  see  Colonel  Allen  : I answered  them,  that  I should 
rather  choose  to  have  seen  them  at  General  Montgom- 
ery’s camp.  The  gentlemen  replied,  that  they  gave 
full  credit  to  what  I said,  and  as  I walked  to  the  town, 
which  was,  as  I should  guess,  more  than  two  miles,  a 
British  officer  walking  at  my  right  hand,  and  one  of 
the  French  noblesse  at  my  left ; the  latter  of  which,  in 
the  action,  had  his  eyebrow  carried  away  by  a glancing 
shot,  but  was  nevertheless  very  merry  and  facetious, 
and  no  abuse  was  offered  me  till  I came  to  the  barrack 
yard  at  Montreal,  where  I met  general  Prescott,  who 
asked  me  my  name,  which  I told  him  : He  then  asked 
me  whether  I was  that  Col.  Allen,  who  took  Ticonde- 
roga.  I told  him  that  I was  the  very  man : Then  he 
shook  his  cane  over  my  head,  calling  many  hard  names, 
among  which  he  frequently  used  the  word  rebel,  and 
put  himself  in  a great  rage.  I tdld  him  he  would  do 
well  not  to  cane  me,  for  I was  not  accustomed  to  it, 
and  shook  my  fist  at  iim,  telling  him  that  was  the 
beetle  of  mortality  for  him  if  he  offered  to  strike* 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’s  CAPTIVITY. 


223 


upon  which  Capt.  M’Cloud  of  the  British,  pulled  him 
by  the  skirt,  and  whispered  to  him,  as  he  afterwards 
told  me,  to  this  import ; that  it  was  inconsistent  with 
his  honor  to  strike  a prisoner.  He  then  ordered  a 
Serjeant’s  command  with  fixed  bayonets,  to  come  for- 
ward, and  kill  thirteen  Canadians  who  were  included 
in  the  treaty  aforesaid. 

It  cut  me  to  the  heart  to  see  the  Canadians  in  so 
hard  a case,  in  consequence  of  their  having  been  true 
to  me ; they  were  wringing  their  hands,  saying  their 
prayers,  as  I concluded,  and  expected  immediate  death. 
I therefore  stepped  between  the  executioners  and  the 
Canadians,  opened  my  clothes,  and  told  Gen.  Prescott 
to  thrust  his  bayonet  into  my  breast,  for  I was  the  sole 
cause  of  the  Canadians  taking  up  arms. 

The  guard,  in  the  mean  time,  rolling  their  eyeballs 
from  the  General  to  me,  as  though  impatiently  waiting 
his  dread  command  to  sheath  their  bayonets  in  my 
heart;  I could,  however,  plainly  discern,  that  he  was 
in  a suspense  and  quandary  about  the  matter  : This 
gave  me  additional  hopes  of  succeeding ; for  my  de- 
sign was  not  to  die,  but  to  save  the  Canadians  by  a 
finesse.  The  general  stood  a minute,  when  he  made 
me  the  following  reply  ; “ I will  not  execute  you  now  ; 

but  you  shall  grace  a halter  at  Tyburn,  

you.” 

I remember  I disdained  his  mentioning  such  a place; 
I was,  notwithstapding,  a little  pleased  with  the  ex- 
pression, as  it  significantly  conveyed  to  me  the  idea  of 
postponing  the  present  appearance  of  death  ; besides 
his  sentence  was  by  no  means  final,  as  to  “ gracing  a 
halter,”  although  I had  anxiety  about  it,  after  I landed 
in  England,  as  the  reader  will  find  in  the  course  of  this 
history.  Gen.  Prescott  then  ordered  one  of  his  officers 
to  take  me  on  board  the  Gaspee  schooner  of  war,  and 
confine  me,  hands  and  feet,  in  irons,  which  was  done 
the  same  afternoon  I was  taken. 

The  action  continued  an  hour  and  three  quarters,  by 
the  watch,  and  I know  not  to  this  day  how  many  of 
my  men  were  killed,  though  I am  certain  there  were 
but  few.  If  I remember  right,  7 were  wounded  ; one 
10*" 


224:  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

of  them,  Wm.  Stewart,  by  name,  was  wounded  by  a 
savage  with  a tomahawk,  after  he  was  taken  prisoner 
and  disarmed,  but  was  rescued  by  some  of  the  gener- 
ous enemy  ; and  so  far  recovered  of  his  wounds,  that 
he  afterwards  went  with  the  other  prisoners  to  England. 

Of  the  enemy,  were  killed  a major  Carden,  who  had 
been  wounded  in  eleven  different  battles,  and  an  em- 
inent  merchant,  Patterson,  of  Montreal,  and  some 
others,  but  I never  knew  their  whole  loss,  as  their  ac- 
counts were  different.  I am  apprehensive  that  it  is 
rare,  that  so  much  ammunition  was  expended,  and  so 
little  execution  done  by  it  ; though  such  of  my  party 
as  stood  the  ground,  behaved  with  great  fortitude, 
much  exceeding  that  of  the  enemy,  but  were  not  the 
best  of  marksmen,  and,  I am  apprehensive,  were  all 
killed  or  taken  ; the  wounded  were  all  put  into  the 
hospital  at  Montreal,  and  those  that  were  not,  were 
put  on  board  of  different  vessels  in  the  river,  and 
shackled  together  by  pairs,  viz.  two  men  fastened  to- 
gether by  one  hand-cuff,  being  closely  fixed  to  one 
wrist  of  each  of  them,  and  treated  with  the  greatest 
severity,  nay  as  criminals. 

I now  come  to  the  description  of  the  irons,  which 
were  put  on  me  : The  hand-cuff  was  of  common  size 
and  form,  but  my  leg  irons,  I should  imagine  would 
weigh  thirty  pounds  ; the  bar  was  eight  feet  long,  and 
very  substantial  ; the  shackles,  which  encompassed  my 
ancles,  were  very  tight.  I was  told  by  the  officer,  who 
put  them  on,  that  it  was  the  king’s  plate,  and  I heard 
other  of  their  officers  say,  that  it  would  weigh  forty 
weight.  The  irons  were  so  close  upon  my  ancles,  that 
I could  not  lay  down  in  any  other  manner  than  on  my 
back.  I was  put  into  the  lowest  and  most  wretched 
part  of  the  vessel,  where  I got  the  favor  of  a chest  to 
sit  on  ; the  same  answered  for  my  bed  at  night ; and 
having  procured  some  little  blocks  of  the  guard,  who 
day  and  night,  with  fixed  bayonets,  watched  over  me, 
to  lie  under  each  end  of  the  large  bar  of  my  leg  irons, 
to  preserve  my  ancles  from  galling,  while  I sat  on  the 
chest,  or  lay  back  on  the  same,  though  most  of  the  time, 
night  and  day,  I sat  on  it ; but  at  length,  having  a 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEn’s  CAPTIVITY. 


225 


desire  to  lie  down  on  my  side,  which  the  closeness  of  my 
irons  forbid,  I desired  the  captain  to  loosen  them  for 
that  purpose  ; but  was  denied  the  favor.  The  cap- 
tain’s name  was  Royal,  who  did  not  seem  to  be  an  ill- 
natured  man ; but  oftentimes  said,  that  his  express 
orders  were  to  treat  me  with  such  severity,  which  was 
disagreeable  to  his  own  feelings  ; nor  did  he  ever  in- 
sult me,  though  many  others,  who  came  on  board  did. 
One  of  the  officers,  by  the  name  of  Bradley,  was  very 
generous  to  me  ; he  would  often  send  me  victuals  from 
his  own  table ; nor  did  a day  fail,  but  he  sent  me  a 
good  drink  of  grog. 

The  reader  is  now  invited  back  to  the  time  I was 
• put  into  irons.  I requested  the  privilege  to  write  to 
~ General  Prescott,  which  was  granted.  I reminded  him 
*Y  pf  the  kind  and  generous  manner  of  my  treatment  of 
the  prisoners  I took  at  Ticonderoga  ; the  injustice  and 
y ungentleman-like  usage  I had  met  with  from  him,  and 
demanded  better  usage,  but  received  no  answer  from 
\ him.  I soon  after  wrote  to  Gen.  Carlton,  which  met 
the  same  success.  In  the  mean  while,  many  of  those 
who  were  permitted  to  see  me,  were  very  insulting. 

I was  confined  in  the  manner  I have  related,  on 
: board  the  Gaspee  schooner,  about  six  weeks ; during 
which  time  I was  obliged  to  throw  out  plenty  of  ex- 
O travagant  language,  which  answered  certain  purposes, 
'>nD  at  that  time,  better  than  to  grace  a history. 

To  give  an  instance  ; upon  being  insulted,  in  a fit 
of  anger,  I twisted  oflf  a nail  with  my  teeth,  which  I 
took  to  be  a ten-penny  nail  ; it  went  through  the  mor- 
tise of  the  bar  of  my  hand -cuff,  and  at  the  same  time 
I swaggered  over  those  who  abused  me ; particularly 
a Doctor  Dace,  who  told  me  that  I was  outlawed  by 
New- York,  and  deserved  death  for  several  years  past  ; 
was  at  last  fully  ripened  for  the  halter,  and  in  a fair 
way  to  obtain  it.  When  I challenged  him,  he  excused 
himself,  in  consequence,  as  he  said,  of  my  being  a 
criminal  ; but  I flung  such  a flood  of  language  at  him 
that  it  shocked  him  and  the  spectators,  for  my  anger 

was  very  great.  I heard  one  say, him,  can  he 

eat  iron  ? After  that,  a small  padlock  was  fixed  to  the 


226  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN  ^wuNTAIN  HEROES. 

hand-cuff,  instead  of  the  nail ; and  as  they  were  mean- 
spirited  in  their  treatment  to  me,  so  it  appeared  to  me, 
that  they  were  equally  timorous  and  cowardly. 

I was  after  sent,  with  the  prisoners  taken  with  me, 
to  an  armed  vessel  in  the  river,  which  lay  off  against 
Quebec,  under  the  command  of  Capt.  M’Cloud,  of  the 
British,  who  treated  me  in  a very  generous  and  obliging 
manner,  and  according  to  my  rank  ; in  about  twenty- 
four  hours  1 .bid  him  farewell  with  regret ; but  my 
good  fortune  still  continued.  The  name  of  the  Cap- 
tain of  the  vessel  I was  put  on  board,  was  Littlejohn  ; 
who,  with  his  officers,  behaved  in  a polite,  generous, 
and  friendly  manner.  I lived  with  them  in  the  cabin, 
and  fared  on  the  best,  my  irons  being  taken  off,  con- 
trary to  the  order  he  had  received  from  the  command- 
ing officer ; but  Capt.  Littlejohn  swore,  that  a brave 
man  should  not  be  used  as  a rascal,  on  board  his  ship. 

That  I found  myself  in  possession  of  happiness  once 
more,  and  the  evils  I had  lately  suffered,  gave  me  an 
uncommon  relish  for  it. 

Capt.  Littlejohn  used  to  go  to  Quebec  almost  every 
day,  in  order  to  pay  his  respects  to  certain  gentlemen 
and  ladies  ; being  there  on  a certain  day,  he  happened 
to  meet  with  some  disagreeable  treatment,  as  he  im- 
agined, from  a Lieutenant  of  a man  of  war,  and  one 
word  brought  on  another,  until  the  Lieutenant  chal- 
lenged him  to  a duel  on  the  plains  of  Abraham.  Capt. 
Littlejohn  was  a gentleman,  who  entertained  a high 
sense  of  honor,  and  could  do  no  less  than  accept  the 
challenge. 

At  nine  o’clock  the  next  morning  they  were  to  fight. 
The  Captain  returned  in  the  evening,  and  acquainted 
his  Lieutenant  and  me  with  the  affair.  His  Lieutenant 
was  a high  blooded  Scotchman,  as  well  as  himself,  who 
replied  to  his  Captain  that  he  should  not  want  for  a 
second.  With  this  I interrupted  him  and  gave  the 
Captain  to  understand,  that  since  an  opportunity  had 
presented,  I would  be  glad  to  testify  my  gratitude  to 
him,  by  acting  the  part  of  a faithful  second  ; on  which 
he  gave  me  his  hand,  and  said  that  he  wanted  no  bet- 
ter man.  Says  he,  I am  a King’s  officer,  and  you  a 


NAEKATIYE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITY.  227 

prisoner  under  my  care ; you  must,  therefore,  go  with 
me,  to  the  place  appointed  in  disguise,  and  added  fur- 
ther ; 4 you  must  engage  me,  upon  the  honor  of  a gen- 
tleman, that  whether  I die  or  live,  or  whatever  happens, 
provided  you  li-ve,  that  you  will  return  to  my  Lieuten- 
ant on  board  this  ship.’  All  this  I solemnly  engaged 
him.  The  combatants  were  to  discharge  each  a pocket 
pistol,  and  then  to  fall  on  with  their  iron-hilted  muckle 
whangers  ; and  one  of  that  sort  was  allotted  for  me  ; 
but  some  British  officers,  who  interposed  early  in  the 
morning,  settled  the  controversy  without  fighting. 

Now  having  enjoyed  eight  or  nine  days’  happiness, 
from  the  polite  and  generous  treatment  of  Captain 
Littlejohn  and  his  officers,  I was  obliged  to  bid  them 
farewell,  parting  with  them  in  as  friendly  a manner  as 
we  had  lived  together,  which,  to  the  best  of  my  mem- 
ory, was  the  eleventh  of  November  : when  a detach 
ment  of  General  Arnold’s  little  army  appeared'  on 
Point  Levi,  opposite  Quebec,  who  had  performed  an 
extraordinary  march  through  a wilderness  country, 
with  design  to  have  surprised  the  capital  of  Canada ; 
I was  then  taken  on  board  a vessel  called  the  Ada- 
mant, together  with  the  prisoners  taken  with  me,  and 
put  under  the  power  of  an  English  Merchant  from 
London,  whose  name  was  Brook  Watson : a man  of 
malicious  and  cruel  disposition,  and  who  was  probably 
excited,  in  the  exercise  of  his  malevolence,  by  a junto 
of  tories,  who  sailed  with  him  to  England  ; among 
whom  were  Col.  Guy  Johnson,  Col.  Closs,  and  their 
attendants  and  associates,  to  the  number  of  about  30. 

All  the  ship’s  crew,  Col.  Closs,  in  his  personal  be- 
havior excepted,  behaved  towards  the  prisoners  with 
that  spirit  of  bitterness,  which  is  the  peculiar  charac- 
teristic of  tories,  when  they  have  the  friends  of  Amer- 
ica in  their  power,  measuring  their  loyalty  to  the 
English  King  by  the  barbarity,  fraud  and  deceit  which 
they  exercise  towards  the  whigs. 

A small  place  in  the  vessel,  enclosed  with  white  oak 
plank,  was  assigned  for  the  prisoners,  and  for  me 
among  the  rest.  I should  imagine  that  it  was  not  more 
than  twenty  feet  one  way,  and  twenty-two  the  other. 


228  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

Into  this  place  we  were  all,  to  the  number  of  thirty-four,  ‘ 
thrust  and  hand-cuffed,  two  prisoners  more  being  added 
to  our  number,  and  were  provided  with  two  excrement 
tubs ; in  this  circumference  we  were  obliged  to  eat  arid 
perform  the  offices  of  evacuation,  during  the  voyage 
to  England ; and  were  insulted  by  every  black-guard 
sailor  and  tory  on  board,  in  the  crudest  manner  ; but 
what  is  the  most  surprising  thing  is,  that  not  one  of  us 
died  in  the  passage.  When  I was  first  ordered  to, go 
into  the  filthy  inclosure,  through  a small  sort  of  door, 

I positively  refused,  and  endeavored  to  reason  the 
before  named  Brook  Watson  out  of  a conduct  so  de- 
rogatory to  every  sentiment  of  honor  and  humanity, 
but  all  to  no  purpose,  my  men  being  forced  in  the  den 
already ; and  the  rascal  who  had  the  charge  of  the 
prisoners  commanded  me  to  go  immediately  in  among 
the  rest.  He  further  added  that  the  place  was  good 
enough  for  a rebel ; that  it  was  impertinent  for  a capi- 
tal offender  to  talk  of  honor  or  humanity ; that  any 
thing  short  of  a halter  was  too  good  for  me  ; and  that 
that  would  be  my  portion  soon  after  I landed  in  Eng- 
land ; for  which  purpose  only  I was  sent  thither.  About 
the  same  time  a lieutenant  among  the  tories,  insulted 
me  in  a grievous  manner,  saying  I ought  to  have  been 
executed  for  my  rebellion  against  Hew- York,  and  spit 
m my  face;  upon  which,  though  I was  hand-cuffed,  I 
sprang  at  him  with  both  hands,  and  knocked  him  partly 
down,  but  he  scrambled  along  into  the  cabin,  and  I 
after  him ; there  he  got  under  the  protection  of  some 
men  with  fixed  bayonets,  who  were  ordered  to  make 
ready  to  drive  me  into  the  place  aforementioned.  I 
challenged  him  to  fight,  notwithstanding  the  impedi- 
ments that  were  on  my  hands,  and  had  the  exalted 
pleasure  to  see  the  rascal  tremble  for  fear ; his  name  I 
have  forgot,  but  Watson  ordered  his  guard  to  get  me 
into  the  place  with  the  other  prisoners,  dead  or  alive ; 
and  I had  almost  as  lieve  die  as  to  do  it,  standing  it 
out  till  they  environed  me  round  with  bayonets ; and 
brutish,  prejudiced,  abandoned  wretches  they  were, 
from  whom  I could  expect  nothing  but  death  or  wounds  ; 
however,  J told  them,  that  they  were  good  honest 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’s  CAPTIVITY.  229 

fellows ; that  I could  not  blame  them  ; that  I was  only 
in  dispute  with  a calico  merchant,  who  knew  not  how 
to  behave  towards  a gentleman  of  the  military  estab- 
lishment. This  was  spoken  rather  to  appease  them 
for  my  own  preservation,  as  well  as  to  treat  Watson 
with  contempt ; but  still  I found  they  were  determined 
to  force  me  into  the  wretched  circumstances,  which 
their  prejudiced  and  depraved  minds  had  prepared 
for  me ; therefore,  rather  than  die,  I submitted  to  their 
indignities,  being  drove  with  bayonets  into  the  iilthy 
dungeon  with  the  other  prisoners,  where  we  were  de- 
nied fresh  water,  except  a small  allowance,  which  was 
very  inadequate  to  our  wants  : and  in  consequence  of 
the  stench  of  the  place,  each  of  us  was  soon  followed 
with  a diarrhoea  and  fever,  which  occasioned  intolera- 
ble thirst.  When  we  asked  for  water,  we  were,  most 
commonly,  instead  of  obtaining  it,  insulted  and  de- 
rided ; and  to  add  to  all  the  horrors  of  the  place,  it 
was  so  dark  that  we  could  not  see  each  other,  and  were 
overspread  with  body  lice.  We  had,  notwithstanding 
these  severities,  full  allowance  of  salt  provisions,  and 
a gill  of  rum  per  day  ; the  latter  of  which  was  of  the 
utmost  service  to  us,  and,  probably,  was  the  means  of 
saving  several  of  our  lives.  About  forty  days  we  ex- 
isted in  this  manner,  when  the  land’s  end  of  England 
was  discovered  from  the  mast  head  ; soon  after  which, 
the  prisoners  were  taken  from  their  gloomy  abode, 
being  permitted  to  see  the  light  of  the  sun,  and  breathe 
fresh  air,  which  to  us  was  very  refreshing.  The  day 
following  we  landed  at  Falmouth. 

A few  days  before  I was  taken  prisoner,  I shifted 
my  clothes,  by  which  I happened  to  be  taken  in  a 
Canadian  dress,  viz : a short  fawn-skin  jacket,  double- 
breasted,  an  undervest  and  breeches  of  sagathy,  worsted 
stockings,  a decent  pair  of  shoes,  two  plain  shirts,  and 
a red  worsted  cap ; this  was  all  the  clothing  I had,  in 
which  I made  my  appearance  in  England. 

When  the  prisoners  were  landed,  multitudes  of  the 
citizens  of  Falmouth,  excited  by  curiosity,  crowded  to 
see  us,  which  was  equally  gratifying  to  us.  I saw  num- 
bers on  the  tops  of  houses,  and  the  rising  adjacent 


230  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN -MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

grounds  were  covered  with  them,  of  both  sexes.  The 
throng  was  so  great,  that  the  king’s  officers  were 
obliged  to  draw  their  swords,  and  force  a passage  to 
Pendennis  castle,  which  was  near  a mile  from  the  town, 
where  we  were  closely  confined,  in  consequence  of 
orders  from  General  Carleton,  who  then  commanded 
in  Canada. 

The  rascally  Brook  Watson  then  set  out  for  London 
in  great  haste,  expecting  the  reward  of  his  zeal ; but  the 
ministry  received  him,  as  I have  been  since  informed, 
rather  coolly ; for  the  minority  in  parliament  took  ad- 
vantage, arguing  that  the  opposition  of  America  to 
Great  Britain,  was  not  a rebellion  : If  it  is,  say  they, 
why  do  you  not  execute  Col.  Allen  according  to  law  ? 
But  the  majority  argued  that  I ought  to  be  executed, 
and  that  the  opposition  was  really  a rebellion,  but  that 
policy  obliged  them  not  to  do  it,  inasmuch  as  the  Con- 
gress had  then  most  prisoners  in  their  power ; so  that 
my  being  sent  to  England,  for  the  purpose  of  being 
executed,  and  necessity  restraining  them,  was  rather  a 
foil  on  their  laws  and  authority,  and  they  consequently 
disapproved  of  my  being  sent  thither.  But  I had 
never  heard  the  least  hint  of  those  debates,  in  parlia- 
ment, or  of  the  working  of  their  policy,  until  sometime 
after  I left  England. 

Consequently  the  reader  will  readily  conceive  I was 
anxious  about  my  preservation,  knowing  that  I was  in 
the  power  of  a haughty  and  cruel  nation,  considered 
as  such.  Therefore,  the  first  proposition  which  I deter- 
mined in  my  own  mind  was,  that  humanity  and  moral 
suasion  would  not  be  consulted  in  the  determining  of 
my  fate ; and  fhose  that  daily  came  in  great  numbers 
out  of  curiosity  to  see  me,  both  gentle  and  simple, 
united  in  this,  that  I would  be  hanged.  A gentleman 
from  America,  by  the  name  of  Temple,  and  who  was 
friendly  to  me,  just  whispered  me  in  the  ear,  and  told 
me  that  bets  were  laid  in  London,  that  I would  be  ex- 
ecuted ; he  likewise  privately  gave  me  a guinea,  but 
durst  say  but  little  to  me. 

However,  agreeably  to  my  first  negative  proposition, 
that  moral  virtue  would  not  influence  my  destinv,  I 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITY.  231 

had  recourse  to  stratagem,  which  I wras  in  hopes  would 
move  in  the  circle  of  their  policy.  I requested  of  the 
commander  of  the  castle,  the  privilege  of  writing  to 
Congress,  who,  after  consulting  with  an  officer  that 
lived  in  town,  of  a superior  rank,  permitted  me  to 
write.  I wrote,  in  the  fore  part  of  the  letter,  a short 
narrative  of  my  ill-treatment ; but  withal  let  them  know 
that,  though  I was  treated  as  a criminal  in  England, 
and  continued  in  irons,  together  with  those  taken  with 
me,  yet  it  was  in  consequence  of  the  orders  which  the 
commander  of  the  castle  received  from  Gen.  Carleton, 
and  therefore  desired  Congress  to  desist  from  matters 
of  retaliation,  until  they  should  know  the  result  of  the- 
government  in  England,  respecting  their  treatment 
towards  me,  and  the  prisoners  with  me,  and  govern 
themselves  accordingly,  with  a particular  request,  that 
if  retaliation  should  be  found  necessary,  it  might  be 
exercised  not  according  to  the  smallness  of  my  charac- 
ter in  America,  but  in  proportion  to  the  importance 
of  the  cause  for  which  I suffered.  This  is,  according 
to  my  present  recollection,  the  substance  of  the  letter 
inscribed, — “ To  the  illustrious  Continental  Congress.” 
This  letter  was  written  with  the  view  that  it  should  be 
sent  to  the  ministry  at  London,  rather  than  to  Congress, 
with  a design  to  intimidate  the  haughty  English  gov- 
ernment, and  screen  my  neck  from  the  halter. 

The  next  day  the  officer,  from  whom  I obtained 
licqpse  to  write,  came  to  see  me,  and  frowned  on  me 
on  account  of  the  impudence  of  the  letter,  as  he  phrased 
it,  and  further  added,  ‘Do  you  think  that  we  are  fools 
in  England,  and  would  send  your  letter  to  Congress, 
with  instructions  to  retaliate  on  our  own  people?  I 
have  sent  your  letter  to  Lord  North.’  This  gave  me 
inward  satisfaction,  though  I carefully  concealed  it 
with  a pretended  resentment,  for  I found  that  I had 
come  Yankee  over  him,  and  that  the  letter  had  gone 
to  the  identical  person  I designed  it  for.  Nor  do  I 
know  to  this  day,  but  that  it  had  the  desired  effect, 
though  I have  not  heard  any  thing  of  the  letter  since. 

My  personal  treatment  by  Lieutenant  Hamilton,  who 
commanded  the  castle  was  very  generous.  He  sent 


232  ETIIAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOITN  TAIN  HEROES. 

me  every  day  a fine  breakfast  and  dinner  from  his  own 
table,  and  a bottle  of  good  wine.  Another  aged  gen- 
tleman, whose  name  I cannot  recollect,  sent  me  a good 
supper.  But  there  was  no  distinction  between  me  and 
the  privates ; we  all  lodged  on  a sort  of  Dutch  bunks, 
in  one  common  apartment,  and  were  allowed  straw. 
The  privates  were  well  supplied  with  provisions,  and 
with  me,  took  effectual  measures  to  rid  ourselves  of  lice. 

I could  not  but  feel,  inwardly,  extremely  anxious  for 
my  fate.  This,  I however,  concealed  from  the  pris- 
oners, as  well  as  from  the  enemy,  who  were  perpetually 
shaking  the  halter  at  me.  I nevertheless  treated  them 
with  scorn  and  contempt ; and  having  sent  my  letter 
to  the  ministry,  could  conceive  of  nothing  more  in  my 
power  but  to  keep  up  my  spirits,  behave  in  a daring, 
soldier-like  manner,  that  I might  exhibit  a good  sample 
of  American  fortitude.  Such  a conduct,  I judged 
would  have  a more  probable  tendency  to  my  preserva- 
tion than  concession  and  timidity.  This  therefore,  was 
my  deportment ; and  I had  lastly  determined  in  my 
mind,  that  if  a cruel  death  must  inevitably  be  my  por- 
tion, I would  face  it  undaunted  ; and,  though  I greatly 
rejoice  that  I returned  to  my  country  and  friends,  and 
to  see  the  power  and  pride  of  Great  Britain  humbled  ; 
yet  I am  confident  I could  then  have  died  without  the 
least  appearance  of  dismay. 

I now  clearly  recollect  that  my  mind  was  so  re- 
solved, that  I would  not  have  trembled  or  shewn,  the 
least  fear,  as  I was  sensible  that  it  could  not  alter  my 
fate,  nor  do  more  than  reproach  my  memory,  make  my 
last  act  despicable  to  my  enemies,  and  eclipse  the 
other  actions  of  my  life.  For  I reasoned  thus,  that 
nothing  was  more  common  than  for  men  to  die  with 
their  friends  around  them,  weeping  and  lamenting 
over  them,  but  not  able  to  help  them,  which  was  in  re- 
ality not  different  in  the  consequence  of  it  from  such  a 
death  as  I was  apprehensive  of ; and,  as  death  was 
the  natural  consequence  of  animal  life  to  which  the 
laws  of  nature  subject  mankind,  to  be  timorous  and 
uneasy  as  to  the  event  and  manner  of  it,  was  inconsis- 
tent with  the  character  of  a philosopher  and  soldier. 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITY.  233 

The  cause  I was  engaged  in,  I ever  viewed  worthy- 
hazarding  my  life  for,  nor  was  I,  in  the  most  critical 
moments  of  trouble,  sorry  that  I engaged  in  it ; and, 
as  to  the  world  of  spirits,  though  I knew  nothing  of 
the  mode  or  manner  of  it,  I expected  nevertheless, 
when  I should  arrive  at  such  a world,  that  I should  be 
as  well  treated  as  other  gentlemen  of  my  merit. 

Among  the  great  numbers  of  people,  who  came  to 
the  castle  to  see  the  prisoners,  some  gentlemen  told 
me  that  they  had  come  fifty  miles  on  purpose  to  see 
me,  and  desired  to  ask  me  a number  of  questions,  and 
to  make  free  with  me  in  conversation.  I gave,  for  an- 
swer that  I chose  freedom  in  every  sense  of  the  word. 
Then  one  of  them  asked  me  what  my  occupation  in 
life  had  been  ? I answered  him,  that  in  my  younger 
days  I had  studied  divinity,  but  was  a conjuror  by 
profession.  He  replied  that  I conjured  wrong  at  the 
time  I was  taken ; and  I was  obliged  to  own,  that  I 
mistook  a figure  at  that  time,  but  that  I had  conjured 
them  out  of  Ticonderoga.  This  was  a place  of  great 
notoriety  in  England,  so  that  the  joke  seemed  to  go  in 
my  favor. 

It  was  a common  thing  for  me  to  be  taken  out  of 
close  confinement,  into  a spacious  green  in  the  castle, 
or  rather  parade,  where  numbers  of  gentlemen  and 
ladies  were  ready  to  see  and  hear  me.  I often  enter- 
tained such  audiences  with  harangues  on  the  impracti- 
cability of  Great  Britain’s  conquering  the  then  colo- 
nies of  America.  At  one  of  these  times  I asked  a 
gentleman  for  a bowl  of  punch,  and  he  ordered  his 
servant  to  bring  it,  which  he  did,  and  offered  it  to  me, 
but  I refused  to  take  it  from  the  hand  of  his  servant ; 
he  then  gave  it  to  me  with  his  own  hand,  refusing  to 
drink  with  me  in  consequence  of  my  being  a state 
criminal : However,  I took  the  punch  and  drank  it  all 
down  at  one  draught,  and  handed  the  gentleman  the 
bowl ; this  made  the  spectators  as  well  as  myself  merry. 

I expatiated  on  American  freedom.  This  gained 
the  resentment  of  a young  beardless  gentleman  of  the 
company,  who  gave  himself  very  great  airs,  and  re- 
plied that  h«  4 knew  the  Americans  very  well,  and  was 


234:  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOD  NTAIN  HEROES. 

certain  they  could  not  bear  the  smell  of  powder.’  ] 
replied,  that  I accepted  it  as  a challenge,  and  was  ready 
to  convince  him  on  the  spot,  that  an  American  could 
bear  the  smell  of  powder  ; at  which  he  answered  that 
he  should  not  put  himself  on  a par  with  me.  I then 
demanded  him  to  treat  the  character  of  the  Americans 
with  due  respect.  He  answered  that  I was  an  Irish 
man  ; but  I assured  him  that  I was  a full  blooded 
Yankee,  and  in  line  bantered  him  so  much,  that  he  left 
me  in  possession  of  the  ground,  and  the  laugh  went 
against  him.  Two  clergymen  came  to  see  me,  and, 
inasmuch  as  they  behaved  with  civility,  I returned 
them  the  same.  We  discoursed  on  several  parts  of 
moral  philosophy  and  Christianity  ; and  they  seemed 
to  be  surprised  that  I should  be  acquainted  with  such 
topics,  or  that  I should  understand  a syllogism,  or  reg- 
ular mode  of  argumentation.  I am  apprehensive  my 
Canadian  dress  contributed  not  a little  to  the  surprise, 
and  excitement  of  curiosity:  to  see  a gentleman  in 
England  regularly  dressed  and  well  behaved  wTould  be 
no  sight  at  all ; but  such  a rebel  as  they  were  pleased 
to  call  me,  it  is  probable,  was  never  before  seen  in 
England. 

The  prisoners  were  landed  at  Falmouth  a few  days 
before  Christmas,  and  ordered  on  board  of  the  Solebay 
frigate,  Capt.  Symonds,  on  the  eighth  day  of  January, 
1776,  when  our  hand  irons  were  taken  off.  This 
remove  was  in  consequence,  as  I have  been  since 
informed,  of  a writ  of  habeas  corpus,  which  had  been 
procured  by  some  gentlemen  in  England,  in  order  to 
obtain  me  my  liberty. 

The  Solebay,  with  sundry  other  men-of-war,  and 
about  forty  transports,  rendezvoused  at  the  cove  of 
Cork,  in  Ireland,  to  take  in  provisions  and  water. 

When  we  were  first  brought  on  board,  captain 
Symonds  ordered  all  the  prisoners,  and  most  of  the 
hands  on  board  to  go  on  the  deck,  and  caused  to  be 
read  in  their  hearing,  a certain  code  of  laws  or  rules, 
for  the  regulation  and  ordering  of  their  behavior ; and 
then  in  a sovereign  manner,  ordered  the  prisoners,  me 
in  particular,  off  the  deck,  and  never  to  come  on  it 


235 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN  S CAPTIYIT1. 


again : for,  said  he,  this  is  a place  for  gentlemen  to  walk. 
So  I went  off,  an  officer  following  me,  who  told  me  he 
would  shew  me  the  place  allotted  to  me,  and  took 
me  down  to  the  cable  tier,  saying  to  me  this  is  your 
place. 

Prior  to  this  I had  taken  cold,  by  which  I was  in  an 
ill  state  of  health,  and  did  not  say  much  to  the  officer  * 
but  stayed  there  that  night,  consulted  my  policy,  and 
I found  I was  in  an  e^l  case ; that  a captain  of  a 
man-of-war  was  more  arbitrary  than  a king,  as  he 
could  view  his  territory  with  a look  of  his  eye,  and  a 
movement  of  his  finger  commanded  obedience.  I felt 
myself  more  desponding  than  I had  done  at  any  time 
before, ; for  I concluded  it  to  be  a government  scheme, 
to  do  that  clandestinely  which  policy  forbid  to  be  done 
under  sanction  of  any  public  justice  and  law. 

However,  two  days  after,  I shaved  and  cleansed 
myself  as  well  as  I could,  and  went  on  deck.  The 
captain  spoke  to  me  in  a great  rage,  and  said  : ‘did 
not  order  you  not  to  come  on  deck  ?’  I answered  him, 
that  at  the  .same  time  he  said, ‘that  it  was  the  place 
for  gentlemen  to  walk ; that  1 was  Colonel  Allen,  but 
had  not  been  properly  introduced  to  him.’  He  replied, 

you,  sir,  be  careful  not  to  walk  the  same 

side  of  the  deck  £hat  I do.  This  gave  me  encourage- 
ment, and  ever  after  that  I walked  in  the  manner  he 
had  directed,  except  when  he,  at  certain  .times  after- 
wards, had  ordered  me  off  in  a passion,  and  I then 
would  directly  afterwards  go  on  again,  telling  him  to 
command  his  slaves  ; that  I was  a gentleman  and  had 
a right  to  walk  the  deck ; yet  when  he  expressly 
ordered  me  off,  1 obeyed,  not  out  of  obedience  to  him, 
but  to  sert  an  example  to  the  ship’s  crew,  who  ought  to 
obey  him. 

To  walk  to  the  windward  side  of  the  deck  is,  ac- 
cording to  custom,  the  prerogative  of  the  captain  of 
a man-of-war,  though  he,  sometimes,  nay  commonly, 
walks  with  his  lieutenants,  when  no  strangers  are  by. 
When  a captain  from  some  other  man-of-war  comes  on 
board,  the  captains  walk  to  the  windward  side,  and  the 
other  gentlemen  to  the  leeward. 


23()  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  QUEEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

It  was  but  a few  nights  I lodged  in  the  cable  tier, 
before  I gained  an  acquaintance  with  the  master  of 
arms,  his  name  was  Gillegan,  an  Irishman,  who  was  a 
generous  and  well  disposed  man,  and  in  a friendly 
manner  made  me  an  oiler  of  living  with  him  in  a little 
birth,  which  was  allotted  him  between  decks,  and  en- 
closed in  canvass ; his  preferment  on  board  was  about 
equal  to  that  of  a sergeant  in  a regiment.  I was  com- 
paratively happy  in  the  acceptance  of  his  clemency, 
and  lived  with  him  in  friendship  till  the  frigate  an- 
chored in  the  harbor  of  Cape  Fear,  North  Carolina,  in 
America. 

Nothing  of  material  consequence  happened  till  the 
fleet  rendezvoused  at  the  cove  of  Cork,  except  a vio- 
lent storm  which  brought  old  hardy  sailors  to  their 
prayers.  It  was  soon  rumored  in  Cork  that  I was  on 
board  the  Solebay,  with  a number  of  prisoners  from 
America  ; upon  which  Messrs.  Clark  & Hays,  mer» 
chants  in  company,  and  a number  of  other  benevo- 
lently disposed  gentlemen,  contributed  largely  to  the 
relief  and  support  of  the  prisoners,  who  were  thirty- 
four  in  number,  and  in  very  needy  circumstances.  A 
suit  of  clothes  from  head  to  foot,  including  an  overcoat 
or  surtout,  and  two  shirts  were  bestowed  upon  each  of 
them.  My  suit  I received  in  superfine  broadcloths, 
sufficient  for  two  jackets  and  two  pair  of  breeches, 
overplus  of  a suit  throughout,  eight  fine  Holland  shirts 
and  socks  ready  made,  with  a number  of  pairs  of  silk 
and  worsted  hose,  two  pair  of  shoes,  two  beaver  hats, 
one  of  which  was  sent  me  richly  laced  with  gold,  by 
James  Bon  well.  The  Irish  gentlemen  furthermore 

made  a large  gratuity  of  wines  of  the  best  sort,  spirits, 
gin,  loaf  and  brown  sugar,  tea  and  chocolate,  with  a 
large  round  of  pickled  beef,  and  a number  of  fat  tur- 
kies,  with  many  other  articles,  for  my  sea  stores,  to</ 
tedious  to  mention  here.  To  the  privates  they  bestowed 
on  each  man  two  pounds  of  tea,  and  six  pounds  of 
brown  sugar.  These  articles  were  received  on  board 
at  a time  when  the  captain  and  first  lieutenant  were 
gone  on  shore,  by  the  permission  of  the  second  lieu- 
tenant, a handsome  young  gentleman,  who  was  then 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITY.  237 

ander  twenty-one  years  of  age  ;•  his  name  was  Douglass, 
son  of  admiral  Douglass,  as  1 was  informed. 

As  this  munificence  was  so  unexpected  and  plentiful) 
I may  add  needful,  it  impressed  on  my  mind  the  high- 
est sense  of  gratitude  towards  my  benefactors  ; for  I 
was  not  only  supplied  with  the  necessaries  and  conven- 
iences of  life,  but  with  the  grandeurs  and  superfluities 
of  it.  Mr.  Hays,  one  of  the  donators  before-mentioned, 
came  on  board,  and  behaved  in  the  most  obliging  man- 
ner, telling  me  that  he  hoped  my  troubles  were  past ; 
for  that  the  gentlemen  of  Cork  determined  to  make  my 
sea  stores  equal  to  that  of  the  captain  of  the  Solebay  ; 
he  made  an  offer  of  live  stock  and  wherewith  to  sup- 
port them  ; but  I knew  this  would  be  denied.  And  to 
crown  all,  did  send  me  by  another  person,  fifty  guineas, 
out  I could  not  reconcile  receiving  the  whole  to  my 
own  feelings,  as  it  might  have  the  appearance  of  ava- 
rice ; and  therefore  received  but  seven  guineas  only, 
and  am  confident,  not  only  from  the  exercise  of  the 
present  well-timed  generosity,  but  from  a large  ac- 
quaintance with  gentlemen  of  this  nation,  that  as  a 
people  they  excel  in  liberality  and  bravery. 

Two  days  after  the  receipt  of  the  aforesaid  donations, 
captain  Symonds  came  on  board  full  of  envy  towards 
the  prisoners,  and  swore  by  all  that  is  good,  that  the 
damned  American  rebels  should  not  be  feasted  at  this 
rate,  by  the  damned  rebels  of  Ireland ; he  therefore 
took  away  all  my  liquors  before-mentioned,  except 
some  of  the  wine  which  was  secreted,  and  a two  gallon 
jug  of  old  spirits  which  was  reserved  for  me  per  favor 
of  lieutenant  Douglass.  The  taking  of  my  liquors  was 
abominable  in  his  sight;  he  therefore  spoke  in  my 
behalf,  till  the  captain  was  angry  with  him ; and  in 
consequent,  proceeded  and  took  away  all  the  tea  and 
sugar,  which  had  been  given  to  the  prisoners,  and 
confiscated  it  to  the  use  * of  the  ship’s  crew.  Our 
clothing  was  not  taken  away,  but  the  privates  were 
forced  to  do  duty  on  board.  Soon  after  this  there  came 
a boat  to  the  side  of  the  ship,  and  captain  Symonds 
asked  a gentleman  in  it,  in  my  hearing,  what  his  busi- 
ness was  ? who  answered  that  he  was  sent  to  deliver 


238  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

some  sea  stores  to  Col.  Allen,  which  if  I remember 
right,  he  said  were  sent  from  Dublin ; but  the  captain 
damned  him  heartily,  ordering  him  away  from  the 
ship,  and  would  not  suffer  him  to  deliver  the  stores.  I 
was  furthermore  informed  that  the  gentlemen  in  Cork, 
requested  of  captain  Symonds,  that  I might  be  allowed 
to  come  into  the  city,  and  that  they  would  be  responsi- 
ble I should  return  to  the  frigate  at  a given  time,  which 
was  denied  them. 

We  sailed  from  England  on  the  8th  day  of  January, 
and  from  the  cove  of  Cork  on  the  12th  day  of  February. 
Just  before  we  sailed,  the  prisoners  with  me  were  di- 
vided, and  put  on  board  three  different  ships  of  war. 
This  gave  me  some  uneasiness,  for  they  were  to  a man 
zealous  in  the  cause  of  liberty,  and  behaved  with  a 
becoming  fortitude  in  the  various  scenes  of  theii 
captivity ; but  those,  who  were  distributed  on  board 
other  ships  of  war  were  much  better  used  than  those 
who  tarried  with  me,  as  appeared  afterwards.  When 
the  fleet,  consisting  of  about  forty-five  sail,  including 
five  men  of  war,  sailed  from  the  cove  with  a fresh 
breeze,  the  appearance  was  beautiful,  abstracted  from 
the  unjust  and  bloody  designs  they  had  in  view.  We 
had  not  sailed  many  days,  before  a mighty  storm  arose, 
which  lasted  near  twenty-four  hours  without  intermis- 
sion. The  wind  blew  with  relentless  fury,  and  no  man 
Gould  remain  on  deck,  except  he  was  lashed  fast,  for 
the  waves  rolled  over  the  deck  by  turns,  with  a forcible 
rapidity,  and  every  soul  on  board  was  anxious  for  the 
preservation  of  the  ship,  alias,  their  lives.  In  this  storm 
the  Thunder-bomb  man  of  war  sprang  a leak,  and  was 
afterwards  floated  to  some  part  to  the  coast  of  England, 
and  thocrew  saved.  We  were  then  said  to  be  in  the 
Bay  of  Biscay.  After  the  storm  abated,  I could  plainly 
discern  the  prisoners  were  better  used  for  some  consid- 
erable time. 

„ Nothing  of  consequence  happened  after  this,  till  we 
sailed  to  the  island  of  Madeira,  except  a certain  favor 
1 had  received  of  captain  Symonds,  in  consequence 
of  an  application  I made  to  him  for  the  privilege  of 
his  tailor  to  make  me  a suit  of  clothes  of  the  cloth 


1 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITY.  239 

bestowed  on  me  in  Ireland,  which  he  generously 
granted.  I could  then  walk  the  deck  with  a seeming 
better  grace.  When  we  had  reached  Madeira,  and 
anchored,  sundry  gentlemen  with  the  captain  went  on 
shore,  who  I conclude,  gave  the  rumor  that  I was  in 
the  frigate  ; upon  which  I soon  found  that  Irish  gener- 
osity was  again  excited  ; for  a gentleman  of  that  nation 
sent  his  clerk  on  board,  to  know  of  me  if  I would  ac- 
cept a sea  store  from  him,  particularly  wine.  This  mat- 
ter I made  known  to  the  generous  lieutenant  Douglass, 
who  readily  granted  me  the  favor,  provided  the  articles 
could  be  brought  on  board,  duriug  the  time  of  his 
command  ; adding  that  it  would  be  a pleasure  to  him 
to  serve  me,  notwithstanding  the  opposition  he  met 
with  before.  So  I directed  the  gentleman’s  clerk  to 
inform  him  that  I was  greatly  in  need  of  so  signal  a 
charity,  and  desired  the  young  gentleman  to  make  the 
utmost  despatch,  which  he  did  ; but  in  the  meantime, 
captain  Symonds  and  his  officers  came  on  board,  and 
immediately  made  ready  for  sailing ; the  wind  at  the 
same  time  being  fair,  set  sail  when  the  young  gentle- 
man was  in  fair  sight  with  the  aforesaid  store. 

The  reader  will  doubtless  recollect  the  seven  guineas 
I received  at  the  cove  of  Cork.  These  enabled  me  to 
purchase  of  the  purser  what  I wanted,  had  not  the 
captain  strictly  forbidden  it,  though  I made  sundry 
applications  to  him  for  that  purpose ; but  his  answer 
to  me,  when  I was  sick,  was,  that  it  was  no  matter  how 
soon  I was  dead,  and  that  he  was  no  ways  anxious  to 
preserve  the  lives  of  rebels,  but  wished  them  all  dead ; 
and  indeed  that  was  the  language  of  most  of  the  ship’s 
crew.  I expostulated  not  only  with  the  captain,  but 
with  other  gentlemen  on  board,  on  the  unreasonableness 
of  such  usage ; inferring  that,  inasmuch  as  the  gov- 
ernment in  England  did  not  proceed  against  me  as  a 
capital  offender,  they  should  not ; for  that  they  were 
by  no  means  empowered  by  any  authority,  either  civil 
or  military,  to  do  so ; for  the  English  government  had 
acquitted  me  by  sending  me  back  a prisoner  of  war  to 
America,  and  that  they  should  treat  me  as  such.  I fur- 
ther drew  an  inference  of  impolicy  on  them,  provided 


240  ETHAM  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

they  should  by  hard  usage  destroy  my  life ; inasmuc  t 
as  1 might,  if  living,  redeem  one  of  their  officers ; but 
the  captain  replied,  that  he  needed  no  directions  of 
mine  how  to  treat  a rebel ; that  the  British  would  con- 
quer the  American  rebels,  hang  the  Congress,  and 
such  as  promoted  the  rebellion,  me  in  particular,  and 
retake  their  own  prisoners ; so  that  my  life  was  of  ne 
consequence  in  the  scale  of  their  policy.  I gave  him 
for  answer  that  if  they  stayed  till  they  conquered 
America,  before  they  hanged  me,  I should  dh,e  of  old 
age , and  desired  that  till  such  an  event  took  place,  he 
would  at  least  allow  me  to  purchase  of  the  purser,  for 
my  own  money,  such  articles  as  I greatly  needed  ; but 
he  would  not  permit  it,  and  when  I reminded  him  of 
the  generous  and  civil  usage  that  their  prisoners  in 
captivity  in  America  met  with,  he  said  that  it  was  not 
owing  to  their  goodness,  but  to  their  timidity  ; for, 
said  he,  they  expect  to  be  conquered,  and  therefore 
dare  not  misuse  our  prisoners  ; and  in  fact  this  was 
the  language  of  the  British  officers,  till  Burgoyne  was 
taken ; happy  event ! and  not  only  of  the  officers  but 
the  whole  British  army.  I appeal  to  all  my  brother 
prisoners,  who  have  been  with  the  British  in  the  south- 
ern department,  for  a _ confirmation  of  what  I have 
advanced  on  this  subject.  The  surgeon  of  the  Solebay, 
whose  name  was  North,  was  a very  humane,  obliging 
man,  and  took  the  best  care  of  the  prisoners  who  were 
sick. 

The  third  day  of  May  we  cast  anchor  in  the  harbor 
of  Cape  Fear,  in  North  Carolina,  as  did  Sir  Peter 
Parker’s  ship,  of  50  guns,  a little  back  of  the  bar ; for 
there  was  not  depth  of  water  for  him  to  come  into  the 
harbor.  These  two  men  of  war,  and  fourteen  sail  of 
transports  and  others,  came  after,  so  that  most  of  the 
fleet  rendezvoused  at  Cape  Fear,  for  three  weeks.  The 
soldiers  on  board  the  transports  were  sickly,  in  conse- 
quence of  so  long  a passage;  add  to  this  the  small- 
pox carried  off  many  of  them.  They  landed  on  the 
main,  and  formed  a camp ; but  the  riflemen  annoyed 
them,  and  caused  them  to  move  to  an  island  in  the 
harbor ; but  such  cursing  of  riflemen  1 never  heard. 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITY.  241 

A detachment  of  regulars  was  sent  np  Brunswick 
river;  as  the}7  landed  they  were  fired  on  by  those 
marksmen,  and  they  came  back  next  day  damning  the 
rebels  for  their  unmanly  way  of  fighting,  and  swearing 
they  would  give  no  quarter,  tor  they  took  sight  at  them, 
and  were  behind  timber  skulking  about.  One  of  the 
detachments  said  they  lost  one  man  ; but  a negro  man 
who  was  with  them,  and  heard  what  was  said,  soon 
after  told  me  that  he  helped  to  bury  thirty-one  of  them  ; 
this  did  me  some  good  to  find  my  countrymen  giving 
them  battle;  for  I never  heard  such  swaggering  as 
among  Gen.  Clinton’s  little  army  who  commanded  at 
that  time ; and  I am  apt  to  think  there  were  four  thou- 
sand men,  though  not  two  thirds  of  them  fit  for  duty. 
I heard  numbers  of  them  say,  that  the  trees  in  America 
should  hang  well  with  fruit  that  campaign  for  they 
would  give  no  quarter.  This  was  in  the  mouths  of 
most  who  I heard  speak  on  the  subject,  officer  as  well 
as  soldier.  I wished  at  that  time  my  countrymen 
knew,  as  well  as  I did,  what  a murdering  and  cruel 
enemy  they  had  to  deal  with ; but  experience  has  since 
taught  this  country  what  they  are  to  expect  at  the  hands 
of  Britons  when  in  their  power. 

The  prisoners,  who  had  been  sent  on  board  different 
men  of  war  at  the  cove  of  Cork,  were  collected  together, 
■*  and  the  whole  of  them  put  on  board  the  Mercury  frig- 
'>^o  ate,  capt.  James  Montague,  except  one  of  the  Cana- 
\ dians,  who  died  on  the  passage  from  Ireland,  and  Peter 
Noble,  who  made  his  escape  from  the  Sphynx  man-of- 
war  in  this  harbour,  and,  by  extraordinary  swimming, 
got  safe  home  to  New-England,  and  gave  intelligence 
of  the  usage  of  his  brother  prisoners.  The  Mercury  set 
* sail  from  this  port  for  Halifax,  about  the  20th  of  May, 
and  Sir  Peter  Parker  was  about  to  sail  with  the  land 
forces,  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Clinton,  for  the 
reduction  of  Charleston,  the  capitol  of  South-Carolina, 
and  when  I heard  of  his  defeat  in  Halifax,  it  gave  me 
inexpressible  satisfaction. 

I now  found  myself  under  a worse  captain  than 
Symonds;  for  Montague  was  loaded  with  prejudices 
against  every  body  and  every  thing  that  was  not. 


242  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GR  KEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

stamped  with  royalty;  and  being  by  nature  under- 
witted,  his  wrath  was  heavier  than  the  others,  or  at  least 
his  mind  was  in  no  instance  liable  to  be  diverted  by 
good  sense,  humour  or  bravery,  of  which  Symonds  was 
by  turns  susceptible.  A Capt.  Francis  Proctor  was 
added  to  our  number  of  prisoners  when  we  were  first 
put  on  board  this  ship.  This  gentleman  had  formerly 
belonged  to  the  English  service.  The  captain,  and  in 
fine,  all  the  gentlemen  of  the  ship  were  very  much 
incensed  against  him,  and  put  him  in  irons  without 
the  least  provocation,  and  he  was  continued  in  this 
miserable  situation  about  three  months.  In  this  pas- 
sage the  prisoners  were  infected  with  the  scurvy,  some 
more  and  some  less,  but  most  of  them  severely.  The 
ship’s  crew  was  to  a great  degree  troubled  with  it,  and 
I concluded  it  was  catching.  Several  of  the  crew  died 
with  it  on  their  passage.  I was  weak  and  feeble  in 
consequence  of  so  long  and  cruel  a captivity,  yet  had 
but  little  of  the  scurvy. 

The  purser  was  again  expressly  forbid  by  the  cap- 
tain to  let  me  have  any  thing  out  of  his  store  ; upon 
which  I went  upon  deck,  and  in  the  handsomest  man- 
ner requested  the  favor  of  purchasing  a few  necessaries 
of  the  purser,  which  was  denied  me  ; he  further  told 
me,  that  I should  be  hanged  as  soon  as  I arrived  at 
Halifax.  I tried  to  reason  the  matter  with  him,  but 
found  him  proof  against  reason  ; I also  held  up  his 
honor  to  view,  and  his  behavior  to  me  and  the  prison- 
ers in  general,  as  being  derogatory  to  it,  but  found  his 
honor  impenetrable.  1 then  endeavored  to  touch  his 
humanity,  but  found  he  had  none  ; for  his  preposses- 
sion of  bigotry  to  his  own  party,  had  confirmed  him 
in  an  opinion,  that  no  humanity  was  due  to  unroyal- 
ists, but  6eemed  to  think  that  heaven  and  earth  were 
made  merely  to  gratify  the  King  and  his  creatures ; 
he  uttered  considerable  unintelligible  and  grovelling 
ideas,  a little  tinctured  with  monarchy,  but  stood  well 
to  his  text  of  hanging  me.  He  afterwards  forbade  his 
surgeon  to  administer  any  help  to  the  sick  prisoners. 
I was  every  night  shut  dowm  in  the  cable  tier,  with  the 
rest  of  the  prisoners,  and  we  all  lived  miserably  while 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITY. 


243 


under  his  power.  But  I received  some  generosity 
from  several  of  the  midshipmen,  who  in  degree  alle- 
viated my  misery ; one  of  their  names  was  Putrass, 
the  names  of  the  others  I do  not  recollect ; , but  they 
were  obliged  to  he  private  in  the  bestowment  of  their 
favor,  which  was  sometimes  good  wine  bitters,  and  at 
others  a generous  drink  of  grog. 

Sometime  in  the  first  week  of  June,  we  came  to 
anchor  at  the  Hook  off  Hew  York,  where  we  remained 
but  three  days ; in  which  time  Governor  Tryon,  Mr. 
Kemp,  the  old  attorney  general  of  Hew  York,  and 
several  other  perfidious  and  over  grown  tories  and 
land-jobbers,  came  on  board.  Tryon  viewed  me  with 
a stern  countenance,  as  I was  walking  on  the  lee- 
ward side  of  the  deck  with  the  midshipmen ; and  he 
and  his  companions  were  walking  with  the  captain  and 
lieutenant,  on  the  windward  side  of  the  same,  but  never 
spoke  to  me,  though  it  is  altogether  probable  that  he 
thought  of  the  old  quarrel  between  him,  the  old  gov- 
ernment of  Hew  York,  and  the  Green-Mountain  Boys. 
Then  they  went  with  the  captain  into  the  cabin,  and 
the  same  afternoon  returned  on  board  a vessel,  where 
at  that  time  they  took  sanctuary  from  the  resentment 
of  their  injured  country.  What  passed  between  the 
officers  of  the  ship  and  these  visitors  I know  not ; but 
this  I know  that  my  treatment  from  the  officers  was 
more  severe  afterwards. 

We  arrived  at  Halifax  not  far  from  the  middle  of 
June,  where  the  ship’s  crew,  which  was  infested  with 
the  scurvy,  were  taken  on  shore  and  shallow  trenches 
dug,  into  which  they  were  put,  and  partly  covered 
with  earth.  Indeed  every  proper  measure  was  taken 
for  their  relief.  The  prisoners  were  not  permitted  any 
sort  of  medicine,  but  were  put  on  board  a sloop  which 
lay  in  the  harbor,  near  the  town  of  Halifax,  surrounded 
by  several  men-of-war  and  their  tenders,  and  a guard 
constantly  set  over  them,  night  and  day.  The  sloop 
we  had  wholly  to  ourselves  except  the  guard  who  oc- 
cupied the  forecastle  : here  we  were  cruelly  pinched 
with  hunger ; it  seemed  to  me  that  we  had  not  more 
than  one  third  of  the  common  allowance.  We  were 


244  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  G KEEN-MO HNT AIN  HEROES. 

all  seized  with  violent  hunger  and  faintness ; we  divi- 
ded our  scanty  allowance  as  exact  as  possible.  I shared 
the  same  fate  with  the  rest,  and  though  they  offered 
me  more  than  an  even  share,  I refused  to  accept  it,  as 
it  was  a time  of  substantial  distress,  which  in  my 
opinion  I ought  to  partake  equally  with  the  rest,  and 
set  an  example  of  virtue  and  fortitude  to  our  little 
commonwealth. 

I sent  letter  after  letter  to  captain  Montague,  who 
still  had  the  care  of  us,  and  also  to  his  lieutenant, 
Whose  name  I cannot  call  to  mind,  but  could  obtain  no 
answer,  much  less  a redress  of  grievances  ; and  to  add 
to  the  calamity,  nearly  a dozen  of  the  prisoners  were 
dangerously  ill  of  the  scurvy.  I wrote  private  letters 
to  tne  doctors,  to  procure,  if  possible,  some  remedy  for 
the  sick,  but  in  vain.  The  chief  physician  came  by  in 
a boat,  so  close  that  the  oars  touclred  the  sloop  that  we 
were  in,  and  I uttered  my  complaint  in  the  genteelest 
manner  to  him,  but  he  never  so  much  as  turned  hie 
head,  or  made  me  any  answer,  though  I continued 
speaking  till  he  got  out  of  hearing.  Our  cause  then 
became  deplorable.  Still  I kept  writing  to  the  cap- 
tain, till  he  ordered  the  guards,  as  they  told  me,  not 
to  bring  any  more  letters  from  me  to  him.  In  the 
mean  time  an  event  happened  worth  relating.  One  of 
the  men  almost  dead  with  the  scurvy,  lay  by  the  side 
of  the  sloop,  and  a canoe  of  Indians  coming  by,  he 
purchased  two  quarts  of  strawberries,  and  ate  then!  at 
once,  and  it  almost  cured  him.  The  money  he  gave 
for  them,  was  all  the  money  he  had  in  the  world. 
After  that  we  tried  every  way  to  procure  more  of  that 
fruit,  reasoning  from  analogy  that  they  might  have  the 
same  effect  on  others  infested  with  the  same  disease, 
but  could  obtain  none. 

Meanwhile  the  doctor’s  mate  of  the  Mercury  came 
privately  on  board  the  prison  sloop  and  presented  me 
with  a large  vial  of  smart  drops,  which  proved  to  be 
good  for  the  scurvy,  though  vegetables  and  some  other 
ingredients  were  requisite  for  a cure  ; but  the  drops 
gave  at  least  a check  to  the  disease.  This  was  a well- 
tuned  exertion  of  humanity,  but  the  doctor’s  name  has/ 


KAivliATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITY.  245 

slipped  ray  raind,  and  in  ray  opinion,  it  was  the  means 
of  saving  the  lives  of  several  men. 

The  guard,  which  was  set  over  us,  was  by  this  time 
touched  with  feelings  of  compassion  ; and  I finally 
trusted  one  of  them  with  a letter  of  complaint  to  gov- 
ernor Arbuthnot,  of  Halifax,  which  he  found  means  to 
communicate,  and  which  had  the  desired  effect ; for 
the  governor  sent  an  officer  and  surgeon  on  board  the 
prison  sloop,  to  know  the  truth  of  the  complaint.  The 
officer’s  name  was  Russell,  who  held  the  rank  of  lieu- 
tenant, and  treated  me  in  a friendly  and  polite  manner, 
and  was  really  angry  at  the  cruel  and  unmanly  usage 
the  prisoners  met  with ; and  with  the  surgeon  made  a 
true  report  of  matters  to  governor  Arbuthnot,  who, 
either  by  his  order  or  influence,  took  us  next  day  from 
the  prison  sloop  to  Halifax  jail,  where  I first  became 
acquainted  with  the  now  Hon.  James  Lovel,  one  of  the 
members  of  Congress  for  the  state  of  Massachusetts. 
The  sick  were  taken  to  the  hospital,  and  the  Can- 
adians, who  were  effective,  were  employed  in  the 
King’s  works  ; and  when  their  countrymen  were  re- 
covered from  the  scurvy  and  joined  them,  they  all 
deserted  the  king’s  employ,  and  were  not  heard  of  at 
Halifax,  as  long  as  the  remainder  of  the  prisoners  con- 
tinued there,  which  was  till  near  the  middle  of  October. 
We  were  on  board  the  prison  sloop  about  six  weeks, 
and  were  landed  at  Halifax  near  the  middle  of  August. 
Several  of  our  English-American  prisoners,  who  were 
cured  of  the  scurvy  at  the  hospital,  made  their  escape 
from  thence,  and  after  a long  time  reached  their  old 
habitations. 

I had  now  but  thirteen  with  me,  of  those  who  were 
taken  in  Canada,  and  remained  in  jail  with  me  at  Hal- 
ifax, who,  in  addition  to  those  that  were  imprisoned 
before,  made  our  number  about  thirty-four,  who  were 
all  locked  up  in  one  common  large  room,  without  re- 
gard to  rank,  education  or  any  other  accomplishment, 
where  we  continued  from  the  setting  to  the  rising  sun  : 
and,  as  sundry  of  them  were  infected  with  the  jail 
and  other  distempers,  the  furnitiire  of  this  spacious 
room  consisted  principally  of  excrement  tubs.  We 


246  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

petitioned  for  a removal  of  the  sick  into  the  hospitals, 
but  were  denied.  We  remonstrated  against  the  un- 
generous usage  of  being  confined  with  the  privates, 
as  being  contrary  to  the  laws  and  customs  of  nations, 
and  particularly  ungrateful  in  th£m  in  consequence  of 
the  gentleman-like  usage  which  the  British  imprisoned 
officers  met  with  in  America  ; and  thus  we  wearied 
ourselves,  petitioning  and  remonstrating,  but  to  no  pur- 
pose at  all  ; for  general  Massey,  who  commanded  at 
Halifax,  was  as  inflexible  as  the  devil  himself,  a fine 
preparative  this  for  Mr.  Lovel,  member  of  the  Con- 
tinental Congress. 

Lieutenant  Russell,  whom  I have  mentioned  before, 
came  to  visit  me  in  prisoh,  and  assured  me  that  he  had 
done  his  utmost  to  procure  my  parole  for  enlargement  • 
at  which  a British  captain,  who  was  then  town-major, 
expressed  compassion  for  the  gentlemen  confined  in 
the  filthy  place,  and  assured  me  that  he  had  used  his 
influence  to  procure  their  enlargement ; his  name  was 
near  like  Ramsey.  Among  the  prisoners  there  were 
five  in  number,  who  had  a legal  claim  to  a parole,  a 
Mr.  Howland,  master  of  a continental  armed  vessel,  a 
Mr.  Taylor,  his  mate,  and  myself. 

As  to  the  article  of  provision,  we  wrere  well  served, 
much  better  than  in  any  part  of  my  captivity  ; and 
since  it  was  Mr.  Lovel’s  misfortunes  and  mine  to  be 
prisoners,  and  in  so  wretched  circumstances,  I was 
happy  that  we  were  together  as  a mutual  support  to 
each  other,  and  to  the  unfortunate  prisoners  with  us. 
Our  first  attention  was  the  preservation  of  ourselves 
and  injured  little  republic  ; the  rest  of  our  time  we 
devoted  interchangeably  to  politics  and  philosophy,  as 
patience  was  a needful  exercise  in  so  evil  a situation, 
but  contentment  mean  and  impracticable. 

I had  not  been  in  this  jail  many  days,  before  a 
worthy  and  charitable  woman,  by  the  name  of  Mrs. 
Blacden,  supplied  me  with  a good  dinner  of  fresh 
meats  every  day,  with  garden  4‘ruit,  and  sometimes 
with  a bottle  of  wrine  : notwithstanding  which  I had 
not  been  more  than  three  weeks  in  this  place  before  I 
lost  my  appetite  to  the  most  delicious  food,  by  the  jail 


cJbxvr>vu  (BcJCufrWi 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEYS  CAPTIVE!  V.  247 

distemper,  as  also  did  sundry  of  the  prisoners,  partic- 
ularly a sergeant  Moore,  a man  of  courage  and  fidelity 
I have  several  times  seen  him  hold  the  boatswain  of 
the  Solebay  frigate,  when  he  attempted  to  strike  him, 
and  laughed  liim  out  of  conceit  of  using  him  as  a 
slave. 

A doctor  visited  the  sick,  and  did  the  best,  as  I sup- 
pose, he  could  for  them,  to  no  apparent  purpose.  I 
grew  weaker  and  weaker,  as  did  the  rest.  Several  of 
them  could  not  help  themselves.  At  last  I reasoned 
in  my  own  mind,  that  raw  onion  would  be  good.  I 
made  use  of  it,  and  found  immediate  relief  by  it,  as 
did  the  sick  in  general,  particularly  sergeant  Moore, 
whom  it  recovered  almost  from  the  shades  ; though  I 
had  met  with  a little  revival,  still  I found  the  malig- 
nant hand  of  Britain  had  greatly  reduced  my  constitu- 
tion with  stroke  upon  stroke.  Esquire  Lovel  and 
myself  used  every  argument  and  entreaty  that  could 
be  well  conceived  of  in  order  to  obtain  gentleman-like 
usage,  to  no  purpose.  J then  wrote  Gen.  Massey  as 
severe  a letter  as  I possibly  could  with  my  friend 
Lovel’s  assistance.  The  contents  of  it  was  to  give  the 
British,  as  a nation,  and  him  as  an  individual,  their 
true  character.  This  roused  the  rascal,  for  he  could 
not  bear  to  see  his  and  the  nation’s  deformity  in  that 
transparent  letter,  which  I sent  him  ; he  therefore  put 
himself  in  a great  rage  about  it,  and  showed  the  letter 
to  a number  of  British  officers,  particularly  to  captain 
Smith  of  the  Lark  frigate,  who,  instead  of  joining  with 
him  in  disapprobation,  commended  the  spirit  of  it  * 
upon  which  general  Massey  said  to  him  do  you  take  the 
part  of  a rebel  against  me?  Captain  Smith  answered 
that  he  rather  spoke  his  sentiments  and,  there  was  a 
dissention  in  opinion  between  them.  Some  officers 
took  the  part  of  the  general,  and  others  of  the  captain. 
This  I was  informed  of  by  a gentleman  who  had  it 
from  captain  Smith. 

In  a few  days  after  this,  the  prisoners  were  ordered 
to  go  on  board  of  a man-of-war,  which  was  bound  for 
iNew  York  ; but  two  of  them  were  not  able  to  go  on 
board,  and  w&re  left  at  Halifax  ; one  died  ; and  the 
11* 


248  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNT ATN  IIEROE8. 

other  recovered.  This  was  about  the  12th  of  October, 
and  soon  after  we  had  got  on  board,  the  captain  sent 
for  me  in  particular  to  come  on  the  quarter  deck.  I 
went,  not  knowing  that  it  was  captain  Smith,  or  his 
ship,  at  that  time,  and  expected  to  meet  the  same  rig- 
orous usage  I had  commonly  met  with,  and  prepared 
my  mind  accordingly  ; but  when  I came  on  deck,  the 
captain  met  me  with  his  hand,  welcomed  me  to  his 
ship,  invited  me  to  dine  with  him  that  day,  and  as- 
sured me  that  I should  be  treated  as  a gentleman,  and 
that  he  had  given  orders,  that  I should  be  treated  with 
respect  by  the  ship’s  crew.  This  was  so  unexpected 
and  sudden  a transition,  that  it  drew  tears  from  my 
eyes,  which  all  the  ill  usage  I had  before  met  with, 
was  not  able  to  produce,  nor  could  I at  first  hardly 
speak,  but  soon  recovered  myself  and  expressed  my 
gratitude  for  so  unexpected  a favor  ; and  let  him  know 
that  I felt  anxiety  of  mind  in  reflecting  that  his  sit- 
uation and  mine  was  such,  that  it  was  not  probable 
that  it  would  ever  be  in  my  power  to  return  the  favor. 
Captain  Smith  replied,  that  he  had  no  reward  in  view, 
but  only  treated  me  as  a gentleman  ought  to  be 
treated  ; he  said  this  is  a mutable  world,  and  one  gen- 
tleman never  knows  but  it  may  be  in  his  power  to  help 
another.  Soon  after  I found  this  to  be  the  same  cap- 
tain Smith  who  took  my  part  against  general  Massey  ; 
out  he  never  mentioned  any  thing  of  it  to  me,  and  I 
thought  it  impolite  in  me  to  interrogate  him,  as  to  any 
disputes  which  might  have  arisen  between  him  and  the 
general  on  my  account,  as  I was  a prisoner,  and  that  it 
was  at  his  option  to  make  free  with  me  on  that  subject, 
if  he  pleased ; and  if  he  did  not,  I might  take  it  for 
granted  that  it  would  be  unpleasing  for  me  to  query 
about  it,  though  I had  a strong  propensity  to  converse 
with  him  on  that  subject. 

I dined  with  the  captain  agreeable  to  his  invitation, 
and  oftentimes  with  the  lieutenant,  in  the  gun-room, 
but  in  general  ate  and  drank  with  my  friend  Lovel 
and  the  other  gentlemen  who  were  prisoners  with  me, 
where  I -also  slept. 

We  had  a little  bhth  enclosed  with  canvas,  between 


NAKKATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITY.  249 

decks,  where  we  enjoyed  ourselves  very  well,  in  hopes 
of  an  exchange  ; besides,  our  friends  at  Halifax  had  a 
little  notice  of  our  departure,  and  supplied  us  with 
spirituous  liquor,  and  many  articles  of  provisions  for 
the  cost.  Captain  Burk,  having  been  taken  prisoner, 
was  added  to  our  company,  (he  had  commanded  an 
American  armed  vessel,)  and  was  generously  treated 
by  the  captain  and  all  the  officers  of  the  ship,  as  well 
as  myself.  We  now  had  in  all  near  thirty  prisoners  on 
board,  and  as  we  were  sailing  along  the  coast,  if  I re- 
collect right,  off  Bhode-Island,  captain  Burk,  with  an 
under  officer  of  the  ship,  whose  name  I do  not  recol- 
lect, came  to  our  little  berth,  proposed  to  kill  captain 
Smith  and  the  principal  officers  of  the  frigate  and  take 
it  ; adding  that  there  were  thirty-five  thousand  pounds 
sterling  in  the  same.  Captain  Burk  likewise  averred 
that  a strong  party  out  of  the  ship’s  crew  was  in  the 
conspiracy,  and  urged  me,  and  the  gentleman  that  was 
with  me,  to  use  our  influence  with  the  private  prison- 
ers, to  execute  the  design,  and  take  the  ship  with  the 
cash  into  one  of  our  own  ports. 

Upon  which  I replied,  that  we  had  been  too  well 
used  on  board  to  murder  the  officers  ; that  I could  by 
no  means  reconcile  it  to  my  conscience,  and  that,  in 
fact,  it  should  not  be  done  ; and  while  I was  yet  speak- 
ing, my  friend  Lovel  confirmed  what  I had  said,  and 
farther  pointed  out  the  ungratefulness  of  such  an  act ; 
that  it  did  not  fall  short  of  murder,  and  in  fine  all  the 
gentlemen  in  the  berth  opposed  captain  Burk  and  his 
colleague.  But  they  strenuously  urged  that  the  con- 
spiracy would  be  found  out,  and  that  it  would  cost 
them  their  lives,  provided  they  did  not  execute  their 
design.  I then  interposed  spiritedly,  and  put  an  end 
to  further  argument  on  the  subject,  and  told  them  that 
they  might  depend  upon  it,  upon  my  honor,  that  I 
would  faithfully  guard  captain  Smith’s  life.  If  they 
should  attempt  the  assault,  I would  assist  him,  for  they 
desired  me  to  remain  neuter,  and  that  the  same 
honor  that  guarded  captain  Smith’s  life,  would  also 
guard  theirs  ; and  it  was  agreed  by  those  present  not 
to  reve'U  the  conspiracy,  to  the  intent  that  no  man 


250  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN -MO UNT AIN  HEROES. 

should  be  put  to  death,  in  consequence  of  what  had 
been  projected  ; and  captain  Burk  and  his  colleague 
went  to  stifle  the  matter  among  their  associates.  I 
could  not  help  calling  to  mind  what  captain  Smith 
said  to  gie,  when  I first  came  on  board  : “This  is  a 
mutable  world,  and  one  gentleman  never  knows  but 
that  it  may  be  in  his  power  to  help  another.”  Captain 
Smith  and  his  officers  still  behaved  with  their  usual 
courtesy,  and  I never  heard  any  more  of  the  conspiracy. 

We  arrived  before  New-York,  and  cast  anchor  the 
latter  part  of  October,  where  we  remained  several 
days,  and  where  captain  Smith  informed  me,  that  he 
had  recommended  me  to  admiral  Howe  and  general 
Sir  Wm.  Howe,  as  a gentleman  of  honor  and  veracity, 
and  desired  that  I might  be  treated  as  such.  Captain 
Burk  was  then  ordered  on  board  a prison-ship  in  the 
harbor.  I took  my- leave  of  captain  Smith,  and  with 
the  other  prisoners,  was  sent  on  board  a transport 
ship,  which  lay  in  the  harbor,  commanded  by  captain 
Craige,  who  took  me  into  the  cabin  with  him  and  his 
lieutenant.  I fared  as  they  did,  and  was  in  every 
respect  well  treated,  in  consequence  of  directions  from 
captain  Smith.  In  a few  weeks  after  this  I had  the 
happiness  to  part  with  my  friend  Lovel,  for  his  sake, 
whom  the  enemy  affected  to  treat  as  a private ; he  was 
a gentleman  of  merit,  and  liberally  educated,  but  had 
no  commission  ; they  maligned  him  on  account  of  his 
unshaken  attachment  to  the  cause  of  his  country.  He 
was  exchanged  for  a governor  Philip  Skene  of  the 
British.  I was  continued  in  this  ship  till  the  latter  part 
of  November,  where  I contracted  an  acquaintance  with 
the  captain  of  the  British ; his  name  has  slipped  my 
memory.  He  was  what  we  may  call  a genteel,  hearty 
fellow.  I remember  an  expression  of  his  over  a bottle 
of  wine,  to  this  import:  “That  there  is  a greatness 
of  soul  for  personal  friendship  to  subsist  between  you 
and  me,  as  we  are  upon  opposite  sides,  and  may  at 
another  day  be  obliged  to  face  each  other  in  the  field.” 
1 am  confident  that  he  was  as  faithful  as  any  officer  in 
the  British  army.  At  another  sitting  he  offered  to  bet 
a dozen  of  wine,  that  fort  Washington  would  be  in  the 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN?8  CAPTIVITY. 


251 


hands  of  the  British  in  three  days.  I stood  the  bet, 
and  would,  had  1 known  that  that  would  have  been  the 
case ; and  the  third  day  afterwards  we  heard  a heavy 
cannonade,  and  that  day  the  fort  was  taken  sure  enough. 
Some  months  after,  when  I was  on  parole,  he  called  upon 
me  with  his  usual  humor,  and  mentioned  the  bet.  I 
acknowledged  I had  lost  it,  but  he  said  he  did  not  mean 
to  take  it  then,  as  I was  a prisoner ; that  he  would 
another  day  call  on  me,  when  their  army  came  to  Ben- 
nington. I replied  that  he  was  quite  too  generous,  as 
I had  fairly  lost  it ; besides,  the  Green-Mountain-Boys 
would  not  suffer  them  to  come  to  Bennington.  This 
was  all  in  good  humor.  I should  have  been  glad  to 
have  seen  him  after  the  defeat  at  Bennington,  but  did 
not.  It  was  customary  for  a guard  to  attend  the  pris- 
oners, which  was  often  changed.  One  was  composed 
of  tories  from  Connecticut,  in  the  vicinity  of  Fairfield 
and  Green  Farms.  The  sergeant’s  name  was  Hoit. 
They  were  very  full  of  their  invectives  against  the 
country,  swaggered  of  their  loyalty  to  their  king,  and 
exclaimed  bitterly  against  the  “cowardly  yankees,”  as 
they  were  pleased  to  term  them,  but  finally  contented 
themselves  with  saying,  that  when  the  country  was 
overcome,  they  should  be  well  rewarded  for  their  loy- 
alty out  of  the  estates  of  the  whigs,  which  would  be 
confiscated.  This  1 found  to  be  the  general  language 
of  the  tories,  after  I arrived  from  England  on  the 
American  coast.  I heard  sundry  of  them  relate,  that 
the  British  generals  had  engaged  them  an  ample  reward 
for  their  losses,  disappointments  and  expenditures,  out 
of  the  forfeited  rebels’  estates.  This  language  early 
taught  me  what  to  do  with  tories’  estates,  as  far  as  my 
influence  can  go.  For  it  is  really  a game  of  hazard 
between  whig  and  tory.  The  whigs  must  inevitably 
have  lost  all,  in  consequence  of  the  abilities  of  the 
tories,  and  their  good  friends  the  British ; and  it  is 
no  more  than  right  the  tories  should  run  the  same 
risk,  in  consequence  of  the  abilities  of  the  whigs.  But 
of  this  more  will  be  observed  in  the  sequel  of  this 
narrative. 

Sime  of  the  last  days  of  November,  the  prisoners 


2 52  ET11AN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

were  landed  at  New- York,  and  I was  admitted  to  parol* 
with  the  other  officers,  viz : Proctor,  Howland,  and 
Taylor.  The  privates  were  put  into  filthy  churches  in 
New-York,  with  the  distressed  prisoners  that  were  taken 
at  Fort  Washington  ; and  the  second  night,  sergeant 
Roger  Moore,  who  was  bold  and  enterprising,  found 
means  to  make  his  escape  with  every  of  the  remaining 
prisoners  that  were  taken  with  me,  except  three,  who 
were  soon  after  exchanged.  So  that  out  of  thirty-one 
prisoners,  who  went  with  me  the  round  exhibited  in 
these  sheets,  two  only  died  with  the  enemy,  and  three 
only  were  exchanged  ; one  of  whom  died  after  he  came 
within  our  lines ; all  the  rest,  at  different  times,  made 
their  escape  from  the  enemy. 

I now  found  myself  on  parole,  and  restricted  to  the 
limits  of  the  city  of  New-York,  where  I soon  projected 
means  to  live  in  some  measure  agreeably  to  my  rank, 
though  I was  destitute  of  cash.  My  constitution  was 
almost  worn  out  by  such  a long  and  barbarous  captivity. 
The  enemy  gave  out  that  I was  crazy,  and  wholly  un- 
manned, but  my  vitals  held  sound,  nor  was  I delirious 
any  more  than  I had  been  from  youth  up ; but  my 
extreme  circumstances,  at  certain  times,  rendered  it 
politic  to  act  in  some  measure  the  madman ; and  in 
consequence  of  a regular  diet  and  exercise^  my  blood 
recruited,  and  my  nerves  in  a great  measure  recovered 
their  former  tone,  strength  and  usefulness,  in  the  course 
of  six  months. 

I next  invite  the  reader  to  a retrospective  sight  and 
consideration  of  the  doleful  scene  of  inhumanity  ex- 
ercised by  general  Sir  William  Howe,  and  the  army 
under  His  command,  towards  the  prisoners  taken  on 
Long-Island,  on  the  27th  of  August,  1776;  sundry  of 
whom  were,  in  an  inhuman  and  barbarous  manner, 
murdered  after  they  had  surrendered  their  arms ; par- 
ticularly a general  Odel,  or  Woodhull,  of  the  militia, 
who  was  hacked  to  pieces  with  cutlasses,  wffien  alive, 
by  the  light  horsemen,  and  a captain  Fellows,  of  the 
continental  army,  who  was  thrust  through  with  a bay- 
onet, of  which  wound  he  died  instantly.  Sundry  others 
were  hanged  up  by  the  neck  till  they  were  dead  ; five 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITY.  253 

on  the  limb  of  a white  oak  tree,  and  without  any  rea 
son  assigned,  except  that  they  were  fighting  in  defence 
of  the  only  blessing  worth  preserving.  And  indeed 
those  who  had  the  misfortune  to  fall  into  their  hands 
at  Fort  Washington,  in  the  month  of  November  fol 
lowing,  met  with  very  little  better  usage,  except  that 
they  were  reserved  from  immediate  death  to  famish 
and  die  with  hunger ; in  fine,  the  word  rebel,  applied 
to  any  vanquished  persons,  without  regard  to  rank, 
who  were  in  the  continental  service,  on  the  27th  of 
August  aforesaid,  was  thought,  by  the  enemy,  sufficient 
to  sanctify  whatever  cruelties  they  were  pleased  to 
inflict,  death  itself  not  excepted  ; but  to  pass  over 
particulars  which  would  swell  my  narrative  far  beyond 
my  design. 

The  private  soldiers,  who  were  brought  to  New 
York,  were  crowded  into  churches,  and  environed 
with  slavish  Hessian  guards,  a people  of  a strange 
language,  who  were  sent  to  America  for  no  other  design 
but  cruelty  and  desolation ; and  at  others,  by  merci- 
less Britons  whose  mode  of  communicating  ideas  being 
intelligible  in  this  country,  served  only  to  tantalize 
and  insult  the  helpless  and  perishing ; but  above  all, 
the  hellish  delight  and  triumph  of  the  tories  over 
them,  as  they  were  dying  by  hundreds.  This  was  too 
much  for  me  to  bear  as  a spectator  ; for  I saw  the 
tories  exulting  over  the  dead  bodies  of  their  murdered 
countrymen.  1 have  gone  into  the  churches,  and 
seen  sundry  of  the  prisoners  in  the  agonies  of  death, 
in  consequence  of  very  hunger,  and  others  speechless, 
and  very  near  death,  biting  pieces  of  chips ; others 
pleading  for  God’s  sake,  for  something  to  eat,  and  at 
the  same  time,  shivering  with  the  cold.  Hollow 
groans  saluted  my  ears,  and  despair  seemed  to  be 
imprinted  on  every  of  their  countenances.  The  filth 
in  these  churches,  in  consequence  of  the  fluxes,  was 
almost  beyond  description.  The  floors  were  covered 
with  excrements.  I have  carefully  sought  to  direct 
my  steps  so  as  to  avoid  it,  but  could  not.  They  would 
beg  for  God’s  sake  for  one  copper,  or  morsel  of 
bread.  I have  seen  in  one  of  these  churches  seven 


254  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MO U NTAIN  HEROES. 

dead,  at  the  same  time,  lying  among  the  excrements 
of  their  bodies. 

It  was  a common  practice  with  the  enemy,  to  con- 
vey the  dead  from  these  filthy  places,  in  carts,  to  be 
slightly  buried,  and  I have  seen  whole  gangs  of  tories 
making  derision,  and  exulting  over  the  dead,  saying, 
there  goes  another  load  of  damned  rebels.  I have 
observed  the  British  soldiers  to  be  full  of  their  black- 
guard jokes,  and  vaunting  on  those  occasions,  but 
they  appeared  to  me  less  malignant  than  tories. 

The  provision  dealt  out  to  the  prisoners  was  by  no 
means  sufficient  for  the  support  of  life.  It* was  defi- 
cient in  quantity,  and  much  more  so  in  quality.  The 
prisoners  often  presented  me  with  a sample  of  their 
bread,  which  I certify  was  damaged  to  that  degree, 
that  it  was  loathsome  and  unfit  to  be  eaten,  and  I am 
bold  to  aver  it,  as  my  opinion,  that  it  had  been  con- 
demned, and  was  of  the  very  worst  sort.  I have 
seen  and  been  fed  upon  damaged  bread,  in  the  course 
of  my  captivity,  and  observed  the  quality  of  sucli 
bread  as  has  been  condemned  by  the  enemy,  among 
which  was  very  little  so  effectually  spoiled  as  what 
was  dealt  out  to  these  prisoners.  Their  allowance  of 
meat  (as  they  told  me)  was  quite  trifling,  and  of  the 
basest  sort.  I never  saw  any  of  it,  but  was  informed, 
that  bad  as  it  was,  it  was  swallowed  almost  as  quick 
as  they  got  hold  of  it.  I saw  some  of  them  sucking 
bones  after  they  were  speechless ; others,  who  could 
yet  speak,  and  had  the  use  of  their  reason,  urged  me 
in  the'  strongest  and  most  pathetic  manner,  to  use  my 
interest  in  their  behalf;  for  you  plainly  see,  said  they, 
that  we  are  devoted  to  death  and  destruction  ; and 
after  I had  examined  more  particularly  into  their  truly 
deplorable  condition,  and  had  become  more  fully 
apprized  of  the  essential  facts,  I was  persuaded  that 
it  was  a premeditated  and  systematical  plan  of  the 
British  council,  to  destroy  the  youths  of  our  land,  with 
a view  thereby  to  deter  the  country,  and  make  it 
submit  to  their  despotism  ; but  that  I could  not  do 
them  any  material  service,  and  that,  by  any  public 
attempt  for  that  purpose,  I might  endanger  myself  by 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITY.  255 

frequenting  places  the  most  nauseous  and  contagious 
that  could  be  conceived  of.  I refrained  going  into 
churches,  but  frequently  conversed  with  such  of  the 
prisoners  as  were  admitted  to  come  out  into  the  yard, 
and  found  that  the  systematical  usage  still  continued. 
The  guard  would  often  drive  me  away  with  their  fixed 
bayonets.  A Hessian  one  day  followed  me  five  or  six 
rods,  but  by  making  use  of  my  legs,  I got  rid  of  the 
lubber.  Sometimes  I could  obtain  a little  conversa- 
tion, notwithstanding  their  severities. 

I was  in  one  of  the  church  yards,  and  it  was 
rumored  among  those  in  the  church,  and  sundry  of 
the  prisoners  came  with  their  usual  complaints  to  me, 
and  among  the  rest  a large  boned,  tall  young  man,  as 
he  told  me,  from  Pennsylvania,  who  was  reduced  to  a 
mere  skeleton  ; he  said  he  was  glad  to  see  me  before 
he  died,  which  he  expected  to  have  done  last  night, 
but  was  a little  revived  ; he  furthermore  informed 
me,  that  he  and  his  brother  had  been  urged  to  enlist 
into  the  British  Army,  but  both  had  resolved  to  die 
first;  that  his  brother  had  died  last  night,  in  conse- 
quence of  that  resolution,  and  that  he  expected  shortly 
to  follow  him ; but  I made  the  other  prisoners  stand 
a little  off,  and  told  him  with  a low  voice  to  enlist ; 
he  then  asked,  whether  it  was  right  in  the  sight  of 
God  ! I assured  him  that  it  was,  and  that  duty  to  him- 
self obliged  him  to  deceive  the  British  by  enlisting 
and  deserting  the  first  opportunity;  upon  which  he 
answered  with  transport  that  he  would  enlist.  I 
charged  him  not  to  mention  my  name  as  his  adviser, 
lest  it  should  get  air,  and  I should  be  closely  confined, 
in  consequence  of  it.  The  integrity  of  these  suffering 
prisoners  is  hardly  credible.  Many  hundreds.  I am 
confident,  submitted  to  death,  rather  than  to  enlist  in 
the  British  service,  which,  I am  informed,  they  most 
generally  were  pressed  to  do.  I was  astonished  at 
the  resolution  of  the  two  brothers  particularly;  it  seems 
that  they  could  not  be  stimulated  to  such  exertions  of 
heroism  from  ambition,  as  they  were  but  obscure  sol-, 
diers  ; strong  indeed  must  the  internal  principle  of 
virtue  be,  which  supported  them  to  brave  death,  and 


256  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN -MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

one  of  them  went  through  the  operation,  as  did  many 
hundred  others.  I readily  grant  that  instances  of 
public  virtue  are  no  excitement  to  the  sordid  and 
vicious,  nor,  on  the  other  hand,  will  all  the  barbarity 
of  Britain  and  Heshland  awaken  them  to  a sense  of 
their  duty  to  the  public;  but  these  things  will  have 
their  proper  effect  on  the  generous  and  brave.  The 
officers  on  parole  were  most  of  them  zealous,  if  possi- 
ble, to  afford  the  miserable  soldiery  relief,  and  often 
consulted  with  one  another  on  the  subject,  but  to  no 
effect,  being  destitute  of  the  means  of  subsistence, 
which  they  needed  ; nor  could  the  officers  project  any 
measure,  which  they  thought  would  alter  their  fate, 
or  so  much  as  be  a means  of  getting  them  out  of  those 
filthy  places  to  the  privilege  of  fresh  air.  Some  pro- 
jected that  all  the  officers  should  go  in  procession  to 
General  Howe,  and  plead  the  cause  of  the  perishing 
soldiers ; but  this  proposal  was  negatived  for  the  fol- 
lowing reasons,  viz  : because  that  general  Howe  must 
needs  be  well  acquainted,  and  have  a thorough  know- 
ledge of  the  state  and  condition  of  the  prisoners  in 
every  of  their  wretched  apartments,  and  that  much 
more  particular  and  exact  than  any  officer  on  parole 
could  be  supposed  to  have,  as  the  general  had  a return 
of  the  circumstances  of  the  prisoners,  by  his  own 
officers,  every  morning,  of  the  number  which  were 
alive,  as  also  the  number  which  died  every  twenty- 
four  nours  ; and  consequently  the  bill  of  mortality,  as 
collected  from  the  daily  returns,  lay  before  him  with 
all  the  material  situations  and  circumstances  of  the 
prisoners  ; and  provided  the  officers  should  go  in  pro- 
cession to  general  Howe,  according  to  the  projection, 
it  would  give  him  the  greatest  affront,  and  that  he 
would  either  retort  upon  them,  that  it  was  no  part  of 
their  parole  to  instruct  him  in  his  conduct  to  prison 
ers  ; that  they  were  mutining  against  his  authority, 
and  by  affronting  him,  had  forfeited  their  parole ; or 
that,  more  probably,  instead  of  saying  one  word  to 
.them,  would  order  them  all  into  as  wretched  confine- 
ment as  the  soldiers  whom  they  sought  to  relieve; 
for,  at  that  time,  the  British,  from  the  general  to  the 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITY.  257 

private  sentinel,  were  in  full  confidence,  nor  did  they 
so  much  as  hesitate,  but  that  they  should  conquer  the 
country.  Thus  the  consultation  of  the  officers  was 
confounded  and  broken  to  pieces,  in  consequence  of 
the  dread,  which  at  that  time  lay  on  their  minds,  of 
offending  Gen.  Howe  ; for  they  conceived  so  murder- 
ous a tyrant  would  not  be  too  good  to  destroy  even 
the  officers,  on  the  least  pretence  of  an  affront,  as 
they  were  equally  in  his  power  with  the  soldiers ; 
and,  as  Gen.  Howe  perfectly  understood  the  condi- 
tion of  the  private  soldiers,  it  was  argued  that  it  was 
exactly  such  as  he  and  his  council  had  devised,  and 
as  he  meant  to  destroy  them,  it  would  be  to  no  pur- 
pose for  them  to  try  to  dissuade  him  from  it,  as  they 
were  helpless  and  liable  to  the  same  fate,  on  giving 
the  least  affront ; indeed  anxious  apprehensions  dis- 
turbed them  in  their  then  circumstances. 

Mean  time  mortality  raged  to  such  an  intolerable 
degree  among  the  prisoners,  that  the  very  school  boys 
in  the  streets  knew  the  mental  design  of  it  in  some 
measure ; at  least,  they  knew  that  they  were  starved 
to  death.  Some  poor  women  contributed  to  their 
necessity,  till  their  children  were  almost  starved,  and 
all  persons  of  common  understanding  knew  that  they 
were  devoted  to  the  cruelest  and  worst  of  deaths.  It 
was  also  proposed  by  some  to  make  a written  repre- 
sentation of  the  condition  of  the  soldiery,  and  the 
officers  to  sign  it,  and  that  it  should  be  couched  in 
such  terms,  as  though  they  were  apprehensive  that 
the  General  was  imposed  upon  by  his  officers,  in  their 
daily  returns  to  him  of  the  state  and  condition  of  the 
prisoners  ; and  that  therefore  the  officers,  moved  with 
compassion,  were  constrained  to  communicate  to  him 
the  facts  relative  to  them,  nothing  doubting  but  that 
they  would  meet  with  a speedy  redress ; but  this  pro- 
posal was  most  generally  negatived  also,  and  for  much 
the  same  reason  offered  in  the  other  case;  for  it  was 
conjectured  that  Gen.  Howe’s  indignation  would  be 
moved  against  such  officers  as  should  attempt  to  whip 
him  over  his  officers’  backs  ; that  he  would  discern 
that  himself  was  really  struck  at,  and  not  the  officers 


258  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

who  made  the  daily  returns ; and  therefore  self-preser 
vation  deterred  the  officers  from  either  petitioning  or 
remonstrating  to  Gen.  Howe,  either  verbally  or  in 
writing;  as  also  the  consideration  that  no  valuable 
purpose  to  the  distressed  would  be  obtained. 

I made  several  rough  drafts  on  the  subject,  one  of 
which  I exhibited  to  the  colonels  Magaw,  Miles  and 
Atlee,  and  they  said  that  the^  would  consider  the 
matter  ; soon  after  I called  on  tnem,  and  some  of  the 
gentlemen  informed  me  that  they  had  written  to  the 
general  on  the  subject,  and  I concluded  that  the  gen- 
tlemen thought  it  best  that  they  should  write  without 
me,  as  there  was  such  spirited  aversion  subsisting 
between  the  British  and  me. 

In  the  mean  time  a colonel  Hussecker,  of  the  conti- 
nental army,  as  he  then  reported,  was  taken  prisoner, 
and  brought  to  New-York,  who  gave  out  that  the 
country  was  almost  universally  submitting  to  the 
English  king’s  authority,  and  that  there  would  be  little 
or  no  more  opposition  to  Great-Britain.  This  at  first 
gave  the  officers  a little  shock,  but  in  a few  days  they 
recovered  themselves ; for  this  colonel  Hussecker, 
being  a German,  was  feasting  with  general  De  Ileister, 
his  countryman,  and  from  his  conduct  they  were 
apprehensive  that  he  was  a knave ; at  least  he  was 
esteemed  so  by  most  of  the  officers  ; it  was  neverthe- 
less a day  of  trouble.  The  enemy  blasphemed.  Our 
little  army  was  retreating  in  Xew-Jersey,  and  our 
young  men  murdered  by  hundreds  in  New-York.  The 
army  of  Britain  and  Heshland  prevailed  for  a little 
season,  as  though  it  was  ordered  by  Heaven  to  shew, 
to  the  latest  posterity,  what  the  British  would  have 
done  if  they  could,  and  what  the  general  calamity 
must  have  been,  in  consequence  of  their  conquering 
the  country,  and  to  excite  every  honest  man  to  stand 
forth  in  the  defence  of  liberty,  and  to  establish  the 
independency  of  the  United  States  of  America  for- 
ever. But  this  scene  of  adverse  fortune  did  not  dis- 
courage a Washington.  The  illustrious  American 
hero  remained  immoveable.  In  liberty’s  cause  he  took 
up  his  sword.  This  reflection  was  his  support  and 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITY. 


259 


consolation  in  the  day  of  his  humiliation,  when  he 
retreated  before  the  enemy,  through  New- Jersey  into 
Pennsylvania.  Their  triumph  only  roused  his  indig- 
nation ; and  the  important  cause  of  his  country,  which 
lay  near  his  heart,  moved  him  to  cross  the  Delaware 
again,  and  take  ample  satisfaction  on  his  pursuers. 
No  sooner  had  he  circumvallated  his  haughty  foes,  and 
appeared  in  terrible  array,  but  the  host  of  Heshland 
fell.  This  taught  America  the  intrinsic  worth  of  per- 
severance, and  the  generous  sons  of  freedom  flew  to 
the  standard  of  their  common  safeguard  and  defence  ; 
from  which  time  the  arm  of  American  liberty  hath 
prevailed. 

This  surprise  and  capture  of  the  Hessians  enraged 
the  enemy,  who  were  still  vastly  more  numerous  than 
the  continental  troops.  They  therefore  collected,  and 
marched  from  Princetown  to  attack  general  Washing- 
ton, who  was  then  at  Trenton,  having  previously  left  a 
detachment  from  their  main  body  at  Princeton,  for  the 
support  of  that  place.  This  was  a trying  ^ime,  for  our 
worthy  general,  though  in  possession  of  a late  most 
astonishing  victory,  was  by  no  means  able  to  withstand 
the  collective  forces  of  the  enemy  ; but  his  sagacity 
soon  suggested  a stratagem  to  effect  that  which,  by 
force,  to  him  was  at  that  time  impracticable.  He 
therefore  amused  the  enemy  with  a number  of  fires,  and 
in  the  night  made  a forced  march,  undiscovered  by 
them,  and  next  morning  fell  in  with  their  rear-guard 
at  Princetown,  and  killed  and  took  most  of  them  prison- 
ers. The  main  body  too  late  perceived  their  rear  was 
attacked,  hurried  back  with  all  speed,  but  to  their  mor- 
tification, found  that  they  were  out-generalled  and  baf- 
fled by  general  Washington,  who  was  retired  with  his 
little  army  towards  Morristown,  and  was  out  of  their 
power.  These  repeated  successes,  one  on  the  back  of 
the  other,  chagrined  the  enemy  prodigiously,  and  had 
an  amazing  operation  in  the  scale  of  American  pol- 
itics, and  undoubtedly  was  one  of  the  corner  stones,  on 
which  their  fair  structure  of  Independency  has  been 
fabricated,  for  the  country  at  no  other  time  has  ever 
been  so  much  dispirited  as  just  before  the  morning  of 


260  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

this  glorious  success,  which  in  part  dispelled  the 
gloomy  clouds  of  oppression  and  slavery,  which  lay 
pending  over  America,  big  with  the  ruin  of  this  and 
future  generations,  and  enlightened  and  spirited  her 
sons  to  redouble  their  blows  on  a merciless,  and 
haughty,  and  I may  add  perfidious  enemy. 

Farthermore,  this  success  had  a mighty  effect  on 
general  Howe  and  his  council,  and  roused  them  to  a 
sense  of  their  own  weakness,  and  convinced  them  that 
they  were  neither  omniscient  nor  omnipotent.  Their 
obduracy  and  death-designing  malevolence,  in  some 
measure,  abated,  or  wTas  suspended.  The  prisoners, 
who  were  condemned  to  the  most  wretched  and  cru- 
dest of  deaths,  and  who  survived  to  this  period,  though 
most  of  them  died  before,  were  immediately  ordered 
to  be  sent  within  general  Washington’s  lines  for  an 
exchange,  and,  in  consequence  of  it,  were  taken  out  of 
their  filthy  and  poisonous  places  of  confinement,  and 
sent  from  New-York  to  their  friends  in  haste;  several 
of  them  fell  dead  in  the  streets  of  New- York,  as  they 
attempted  to  walk  to  the  vessels  in  the  harbor,  for  their 
intended  embarkation.  What  numbers  lived  to  reach 
the  lines  I cannot  ascertain,  but,  from  concurrent  rep- 
resentations which  I have  since  received  from  numbers 
of  people  who  lived  in  and  adjacent  to  such  parts  of 
the  country,  where  they  were  received  from  the  enemy, 
I apprehend  that  most  of  them  died  in  consequence  of 
the  vile  usage  of  the  enemy.  Some  who  were  eye 
witnesses  of  that  scene  of  mortality,  more  especially  in 
that  part  wThich  continued  after  the  exchange  took 
place,  are  of  opinion,  that  it  was  partly  in  consequence 
of  a slow  poison ; but  this  I refer  to  the  doctors  who 
attended  them,  who  are  certainly  the  best  judges. 

Upon  the  best  calculation  1 have  been  able  to  make 
from  personal  knowledge,  and  the  many  evidences  I 
have  collected  in  support  of  the  facts,  I learn  that,  of 
the  prisoners  taken  on  Long-Island,  Fort  Washington, 
and  some  few  others,  at  different  times  and  places, 
about  two  thousand  perished  with  hunger,  cold  and 
sickness,  occasioned  by  the  filth  of  their  prisons,  at 
New- York,  and  a number  more  on  their  passage  to  the 


NARK  ATI  VE  01  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITY. 


261 


continental  lines.  Most  if  the  residue,  who  reached 
their  friends,  having  received  their  death  wound,  could 
not  be  restored  by  the  assistance  of  physicians  and 
friends  ; but  like  their  brother  prisoners,  fell  a sacrifice 
to  the  relentless  and  scientific  barbarity  of  Britain.  I 
took  as  much  pains  as  my  circumstances  would  admit 
of,  to  inform  myself  not  only  of  matters  of  fact,  but 
likewise  of  the  very  design  and  aims  of  general  Howe 
and  his  council.  The  fetter  of  which  I predicated  on 
the  former,  and  submit  it  to*  the  candid  public. 

And  lastly,  the  aforesaid  success  of  the  American 
arms  had  a happy  effect  on  the  continental  officers, 
who  were  on  parole  at  Kew-York.  A number  of  us 
assembled,  but  not  in  a public  manner,  and  with  full 
bowls  and  glasses,  drank  general  Washington’s  health, 
and  were  not  unmindful  of  Congress  and  our  worthy 
friends  on  the  continent,  and  almost  forgot  that  we 
were  prisoners. 

A few  days  after  this  recreation,  a British  officer  of 
rank  and  importance  in  their  army,  whose  name  I shall 
not  mention  in  this  narrative,  for  certain  reasons, 
though  I have  mentioned  it  to  some  of  my  close  friends 
and  confidants,  sent  for  me  to  his  lodgings,  and  told  me 
“That  faithfulness,  though  in  a wrong  cause,  had  nev- 
ertheless recommended  me  to  general  Sir  William 
Howe,  who  was  minded  to  make  me  a colonel  of  a reg- 
iment of  new  levies,  alias  tories,  in  the  British  service ; 
and  proposed  that  I should  go  with  him,  and  some 
other  officers,  to  England,  who  would  embark  for  that 
purpose  in  a few  days,  and  there  be  introduced  to  Lord 
( j.  Germaine,  and  probably  to  the  King ; and  that 
previously  I should  be  clothed  equal  to  such  an  intro- 
duction, and,  instead  of  paper  rags,  be  paid  in  hard 
guineas  ; after  this,  should  embark  with  general  Bur- 
goyne.  and  assist  in  the  reduction  of  the  country,  which 
infallibly  would  be  conquered,  and,  when  that  should 
be  done,  I should  have  a large  tract  of  land,  either  in 
the  Kew-Hampshire  grants,  or  in  Connecticut,  it  would 
make  no  odds,  as  the  country  would  be  forfeited  to  the 
crown.”  I then  replied,  “That,  if  by  faithfulness  1 
had  recommended  myself  to  general  Howe,  I should 


262  ETHAN  ALLEN  ANE  SREEN-MO  U NT  AIN  HEROES. 


be  loth,  by  unfaithful  Less,  to  lose  the  general’s  good 
opinion  ; besides,  that  I viewed  the  offer  of  land  to  be 
similar  to  that  which  the  devil  offered  Jesus  Christ, 
‘To  give  him  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  world,  if  he 
would  fall  down  and  worship  him  ; when  at  the  same 
time,  the  damned  soul  had  not  one  foot  of  land  upon 
earth.5  55  This  closed  the  conversation,  and  the  gentle- 
man turned  from  me  with  an  air  of  dislike,  saying,  that 
I was  a bigot ; upon  which  I retired  to  my  lodgings.* 

* An  anecdote  of  a different  character  is  told  of  Allen’s  sojourn  in 
New  York.  Rivington,  the  “king’s  printer,”  a forcible  and  venomous 
writer,  had  incurred  Allen’s  enmity  by  his  caustic  allusions  to  him,  and 
the  hero  of  Ticonderoga  swore  “ he  would  lick  Rivington  the  very  first 
opportunity  he  had  !”  How  the  printer  escaped  the  threatened  castiga- 
tion shall  be  narrated  in  his  own  words  : I was  sitting,  [says  Riving- 

ton,] after  a good  dinner,  alone,  with  my  bottle  of  Madeira  before  me, 
when  I heard  an  unusual  noise  in  the  street,  and  a huzza  from  the  boys. 
I was  in  the  second  story,  and,  stepping  to  the  window,  saw  a tall  figure 
in  tarnished  regimentals,  with  a large  cocked  hat  and  an  enormous  long 
sword,  followed  by  a crowd  of  boys,  who  occasionally  cheered  him  with 
huzzas,  of  which  he  seemed  insensible.  He  came  up  to  my  door  and 
stopped.  I could  see  no  more.  My  heart  told  me  it  was  Ethan  Alien. 
I shut  my  window  and  retired  behind  my  table  and  my  bottle.  I was 
certain  the  hour  of  reckoning  had  come.  There  was  no  retreat.  Mr. 
Staples,  my  clerk,  came  in  paler  thau  ever,  and,  clasping  his  hands,  said, 
“ Master,  he  has  come  1 ” “I  know  it.”  “ He  entered  the  store  and 
asked  ‘if  James  Rivington  lived  there  ? * I answered,  ‘Yes,  sir.*  ‘Is 
he  at  home  V ‘I  will  go  and  see,  sir,’  I said  ; and  now,  master,  what 
is  to  be  done  ? There  he  is  in  the  store,  and  the  boys  peeping  at  him 
from  the  street.”  I had  made  up  my  mind.  I looked  at  the  Madeira  — 
possibly  took  a glass.  “ Show  him  up,”  said  I ; “ and  if  such  Madeira 
can  not  mollify  him,  he  must  be  harder  than  adamant.”  There  was  a 
fearful  moment  of  suspense.  I heard  him  on  the  stairs,  his  long  sword 
' clanking  at  every  step.  In  he  stalked.  “ Is  your  name  James  Riving- 
ton ? ” “ It  is,  sir,  and  no  man  could  be  more  happy  than  I am  to  see 

Colonel  Ethan  Allen.”  “Sir,  I have  come ” “ Not  another  word, 

my  dear  colonel,  until  you  have  taken  a seat  and  a glass  of  old  Ma- 
deira.” “ But,  sir,  I do  n’t  think  it  proper ” “ Not  another  word, 

colonel.  Taste  this  wine.  I have  had  it  in  glass  for  ten  years.  Old 


/a}  cJS-AidJM). 

NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITY.  263 

Near  the  last  of  November,  I was  admitted  to  pa- 
role in  New-York,  with  many  other  American  officers, 
and  on  the  22d  day  of  January,  1777,  was  with  them 
directed  by  the  British  commissary  of  prisoners  to  be 
quartered  on  the  westerly  part  of  Long-Island,  and  our 
parole  continued.  During  my  imprisonment  there,  no 
occurrence  worth  observation  happened.  I obtained 
the  means  of  living  as  well  as  I desired,  which  in  a 
great  measure  repaired  my  constitution,  which  had 
been  greatly  injured  by  the  severities  of  an  inhuman 
captivity.  I now  began  to  feel  myself  composed,  ex- 
pecting either  an  exchange,  or  continuance  in  good  and 
honorable  treatment ; but  alas  ! my  visionary  expec- 
tations soon  vanished.  The  news  of  the  conquest  of 
Ticonderoga  by  general  Burgoyne,  and  the  advance  of 
his  army  into  the  country,  made  the  haughty  Britons 
again  feel  their  importance,  and  with  that,  their  insa- 
tiable thirst  for  cruelty. 

The  private  prisoners  at  New-York,  and  some  of  the 
officers  on  parole,  felt  the  severity  of  it.  Burgoyne 
was  to  them  a demi-god.  To  him  they  paid  adoration  ; 
in  him  the  tories  placed  their  confidence,  “ and  forgot 
the  Lord  their  God,”  and  served  Jiowe,  Burgoyne  and 
Knyphausen,  “ and  became  vile  in  their  own  imagina- 
tion, and  their  foolish  hearts  were  darkened,”  profess- 
ing to  be  great  politicians,  and  relying  on  foreign  and 
merciless  invaders,  and  with  them  seeking  the  ruin, 
bloodshed  and  destruction  of  their  country  ; “became 
fools,”  expecting  with  them  to  share  a dividend  in  the 
confiscated  estates  of  their  neighbors  and  countrymen 
who  fought  for  the  whole  country,  and  the  religion  and 
liberty  thereof.  “Therefore,  God  gave  them  over  to 
strong  delusion,  to  believe  a lie,  that  they  all  might  be 
damned.” 

wine,  you  know,  unless  it  is  originally  sound,  never  improves  by  age.” 
He  took  the  glass,  swallowed  the  wine,  smacked  his  lips,  and  shook  his 

oead  approvingly.  “ Sir,  I come ” “ Not  another  word  until  you  have 

taken  another  glass,  and  then,  my  dear  colonel,  we  will  talk  of  old 
affairs,  and  I have  some  queer  events  to  detail.”  In  short,  we  finished 
two  bottles  of  Madeira,  and  parted  as  good  friends  as  if  we  had  never 
nad  cause  to  be  otherwise. 


261  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

The  25th  day  of  August,  I was  apprehended,  and 
under  pretext  of  artful,  mean  and  pitiful  pretences,  that 
I had  infringed  on  my  parole,  taken  from  a tavern, 
where  there  were  more  than  a dozen  officers  present, 
and,  in  the  very  place  where  those  officers  and  myself 
were  directed  to  be  quartered,  put  under  a strong 
guard  and  taken  to  New-York,  where  I expected  to 
make  my  defence  before  the  commanding  officer ; but, 
contrary  to  my  expectations,  and  without  the  least 
solid  pretence  of  justice  or  trial,  was  again  encircled 
with  a strong  guard  with  fixed  bayonets,  and  conducted 
to  the  provost-gaol  in  a lonely  apartment,  next  above 
the  dungeon,  and  was  denied  all  manner  of  subsistence 
either  by  purchase  or  allowance.  The  second  day  I 
offered  a guinea  for  a meal  of  victuals,  but  was  denied 
it,  and  the  third  day  I offered  eight  Spanish  milled 
dollars  for  a like  favor,  but  was  denied,  and  all  I could 

get  out  of  the  sergeant’s  mouth,  was  that  by he 

would  obey  his  orders.  I now  perceived  myself  to  be 
again  in  substantial  trouble.  In  this  condition  I formed 
an  oblique  acquaintance  with  a Capt.  Travis,  of  Vir- 
ginia, who  was  in  the  dungeon  below  me,  through  a 
little  hole  which  was  Cut  with  a pen-knife,  through  the 
floor  of  my  apartment  which  communicated  with  the 
dungeon  ; it  was  a small  crevice,  through  which  I 
could  discern  but  a very  small  part  of  his  face  at  once, 
when  he  applied  it  to  the  hole  ; but  from  the  discovery 
of  him  in  the  situation  which  we  were  both  then  in,  I 
could  not  have  known  him,  which  I found  to  be  true 
by  an  after  acquaintance.  I could  nevertheless  hold  a 
conversation  with  him,  and  so&i  perceived  him  to  be  a 
gentleman  of  high  spirits,  who  had  a high  sense  of 
honor,  and  felt  as  big,  as  though  he  had  been  in  a pal- 
ace, and  had  treasures  of  wrath  in  store  against  the 
British.  In  fine  I was  charmed  with  the  spirit  of  the 
man  ; he  had  been  near  or  quite  four  months  in  that 
dungeon,  with  murderers,  thieves,  and  every  species  of 
criminals,  and  all  for  the  sole  crime  of  unshaken  fidelity 
to  his  country  ; but  his  spirits  were  above  dejection, 
and  his  mind  unconquerable.  I engaged  to  do  him 
every  service  m my  power,  and  in  a few  weeks  after- 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITY.  265 

wards,  with  the  united  petitions  of  the  officers  in  the 
provost,  procured  his  dismission  from  the  dark  mansion 
of  fiends  to  the  apartments  of  his  petitioners. 

And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  3d  day,  at  the  going 
down  of  the  sun,  that  I was  presented  with  a piece  of 
boiled  pork,  and  some  biscuit,  which  the  sergeant  gave 
me  to  understand,  was  my  allowance,  and  I fed  sweetly 
on  the  same  ; but  I indulged  my  appetite  by  degrees, 
and  in  a few  days  was  taken  from  that  apartment,  and 
conducted  to  the  next  loft  or  story,  where  there  were 
above  twenty  continental,  and  some  militia  officers,  who 
had  been  taken,  and  imprisoned  there,  besides  some 
private  gentlemen,  who  had  been  dragged  from  their 
own  homes  to  that  filthy  place  by  tories.  Several  of 
every  denomination  mentioned,  died  there,  some  before, 
and  others  after  I was  put  there. 

The  history  of  the  proceedings  relative  to  the  provost 
only,  were  I particular,  would  swell  a volume  larger 
than  this  whole  narrative.  1 shall  therefore  only  notice 
such  of  the  occurrences  which  are  mostly  extraordinary. 

Capt.  Vandyke  bore,  with  an  uncommon  fortitude, 
near  twenty  months’  confinement  in  this  place,  and  in 
the  tnean  time  was  very  serviceable  to  others  who  were 
confined  with  him.  The  allegation  against  him,  as  the 
cause  of  his  confinement,  was  very  extraordinary.  He 
was  accused  of  setting  fire  to  the  city  of  New-York,  at 
the  time  the  west  part  of  it  was  consumed,  when  it  was 
a known  fact,  that  he  had  been  in  the  provost  a week 
before  the  fire  broke  out ; and  in  like  manner,  frivolous 
were  the  ostensible  accusations  against  most  of  those 
who  were  there  confined  ; the  case  of  two  militia  officers 
excepted,  who  were  taken  in  their  attempting  to  escape 
from  their  parole ; and  probably  there  may  be  some 
other  instances  which  might  justify  such  a confinement. 

Mr.  William  Miller,  a committee  man,  from  West 
Chester  county,  and  state  of  New-York,  was  taken  from 
his  bed  in  the  dead  of  the  night  by  his  tory  neighbors, 
and  was  starved  for  three  days  and  nights  in  an  apart- 
ment of  the  same  gaol ; add  to  this  the  denial  of  fire, 
and  that  in  a cold  season  of  the  year,  in  which  time  he 
walked  day  and  night,  to  defend  himself  against  the 


266  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES 

frost,  and  when  he  complained  of  such  a reprehensible 
conduct,  the  word  rebel  or  committee  man  was  deemed 
by  the  enemy  a sufficient  atonement  for  any  inhumanity 
that  they  could  invent  or  inflict.  He  was  a man  of 
good  natural  understanding,  a close  and  sincere  friend 
to  the  liberties  of  America,  and  endured  fourteen 
months’  cruel  imprisonment  with  that  magnanimity  of 
soul,  which  reflects  honor  on  himself  and  country. 

Major  Levi  Wells,  and  Capt.  Ozias  Bissel  were  ap- 
prehended and  taken  under  guard  from  their  parole 
on  Long-Island,  to  the  provost,  on  as  fallacious  pretences 
as  the  former,  and  were  there  continued  till  their  ex- 
change took  place  which  was  near  five  months.  Their 
fidelity  and  zealous  attachment  to  their  country’s  cause, 
which  was  more  than  commonly  conspicuous  was 
undoubtedly  the  real  cause  of  their  confinement. 

Major  Brinton  Payne,  Capt.  Flahaven,  and  Capt. 
Randolph,  who  had  at  different  times  distinguished 
themselves  by  their  bravery,  especially  at  the  several 
actions,  in  which  they  were  taken,  were  all  the  provo- 
cation they  gave,  for  which  they  suffered  about  a year’s 
confinement,  each  in  the  same  filthy  gaol. 

A few  weeks  after  my  confinement,  on  the  like  fal- 
lacious and  wicked  pretences,  was  brought  to  the  same 
place,  from  his  parole  on  Long-Island,  Major  Otho 
Holland  Williams  now  a full  Col.  in  the  continental 
army.  In  his  character  are  united  the  gentleman,  offi- 
cer, soldier,  and  friend  ; he  walked  through  the  prison 
with  an  air  of  great  disdain;  said  he,  “Is  this  the 
treatment  which  gentlemen  of  the  continental  army 
are  to  expect  from  the  rascally  British,  when  in  their 
power?  Heavens  forbid  it!”  He  was  continued  there 
about  five  months,  and  then  exchanged  for  a British 
Major. 

John  Fell,  Esq.  now  a member  of  Congress  for  the 
state  of  Hew- Jersey,  was  taken  from  his  own  house  by 
a gang  of  infamous  tories,  and  by  order  of  a British 
General,  was  sent  to  the  provost,  where  he  was  con- 
tinued near  one  year.  The  stench  of  the  gaol,  which 
was  very  loathsome  and  unhealthy,  occasioned  a 
hoarseness  of  the  lungs,  which  proved  fatal  to  many 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITY.  26 7 

who  were  there  confined,  and  reduced  this  gentleman 
near  to  the  point  of  death ; he  was  indeed  given  over 
by  his  friends  who  were  about  him,  and  himself  con- 
cluded that  he  must  die.  I could  not  endure  the 
thought  that  so  worthy  a friend  to  America  should 
have  his  life  stolen  from  him  in  such  a mean,  base,  and 
scandalous  manner,  and  that  his  family  and  friends 
should  be  bereaved  of  so  great  and  desirable  a blessing, 
as  life  further  care,  usefulness  and  example,  might  prove 
to  them.  I therefore  wrote  a letter  to  George  Robertson, 
who  commanded  in  town,  and  being  touched  with  the 
most  sensible  feelings  of  humanity,  which  dictated  my 
pen  to  paint  dying  distress  in  such  lively  colors  that  it 
wrought  conviction  even  on  the  obduracy  of  a British 
General,  and  produced  his  order  to  remove  the -now 
honorable  John  Fell,  Esq.  out  of  a gaol,  to  private 
lodgings  in  town  ; in  consequence  of  which  he  slowly 
recovered  his  health.  There  is  so  extraordinary  a cir- 
cumstance which  intervened  concerning  this  letter,  that 
it  is  worth  noticing. 

Previous  to  sending  it,  I exhibited  the  same  to  the 
gentleman  in  whose  behalf  it  was  written,  for  his  ap- 
probation, and  he  forbid  me  to  send  it  in  the  most 
positive  and  explicit  terms  ; his  reason  was,  “That  the 
enemy  knew,  by  every  morning’s  report,  the  condition 
of  all  the  prisoners,  mine  in  particular,  as  I have  been 
gradually  coming  to  my  end  for  a considerable  time, 
and  they  very  well  knew  it,  and  likewise  determined 
•it  should  be  accomplished,  as  they  had  served  many 
others ; that,  to  ask  a favor,  would  give  the  merciless 
enemy  occasion  to  triumph  over  me  in  my  last  moments, 
and  therefore  I will  ask  no  favors  frorfi  them,  but  resign 
myself  to  my  supposed  fate.”  But  the  letter  I sent 
without  his  knowledge,  and  I confess  I had  but  little 
expectations  from  it,  yet  could  not  be  easy  till  I had 
sent  it.  It  may  be  worth  a remark,  that  this  gentleman 
was  an  Englishman  born,  and  from  the  beginning  of 
the  revolution  has  invariably  asserted  and  maintained 
the  cause  of  liberty. 

The  British  have  made  so  extensive  an  improvement 
of  the  provost  during  the  present  revolution  till  of  late, 


268  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

that  a very  short  definition  will  be  sufficient  for  the 
dullest  apprehensions.  It  may  be  with  propriety  called 
the  British  inquisition,  and  calculated  to  support  their 
oppressive  measures  and  designs,  by  suppressing  the 
spirit  of  liberty  ; as  also  a place  to  confine  the  crim- 
inals, and  most  infamous  wretches  of  their  own  army, 
where  many  gentlemen  of  the  American  army,  and 
citizens  thereof,  were  promiscuously  confined,  with 
every  species  of  criminals ; but  they  divided  into  dif 
ferent  apartments,  and  kept  at  as  great  a remove  as 
circumstances  permitted  ; but  it  was  nevertheless  at 
the  option  of  a villainous  sergeant,  who  had  the  charge 
of  the  provost,  to  take  any  gentleman  from  their  room, 
and  put  them  into  the  dungeon,  which  was  often  the 
case.  At  two  different  times  I was  taken  down  stairs 
for  that  purpose,  by  a file  of  soldiers  with  fixed  bay- 
onets, and  the  sergeant  brandishing  his  sword  at  the 
same  time,  and  having  been  brought  to  the  door  of  the 
dungeon,  I there  flattered  the  vanity  of  the  sergeant, 
■whose  name  was  Reef,  by  which  means  I procured  the 
surprizing  favor  to  return  to  my  companions  ; but  some 
of  the  high  mettled  young  gentlemen  could  not  bear 
his  insolence,  and  determined  to  keep  at  a distance, 
and  neither  please  nor  displease  the  villain,  but  none 
could  keep  clear  of  his  abuse ; however,  mild  measures 
were  the  best ; he  did  not  hesitate  to  call  us  damned 
rebels,  and  use  us  with  the  coarsest  language.  The 
Capts.  Flahaven,  Randolph  and  Mercer,  were  the  ob- 
jects of  his  most  flagrant  and  repeated  abuses,  who 
were  many  times  taken  to  the  dungeon,  and  there 
continued  at  his  pleasure.  Capt.  Flahaven  took  cold 
in  the  dungeon,  and  was  in  a declining  state  of  health, 
but  an  exchange  delivered  him,  and  in  all  probability 
saved  his  life.  It  was  very  mortifying  to  bear  with  the 
insolence  of  such  a vicious  and  ill-bred,  imperious  ras- 
cal. Remonstrances  were  preferred  to  the  commander 
of  the  town,  but  no  relief  could  be  obtained,  for  his 
superiors  were  undoubtedly  well  pleased  with  his 
abusive  conduct  to  the  gentlemen,  under  the  severities 
of  his  power ; and  remonstrating  against  his  infernal 
conduct,  only  served  to  confirm  him  in  authority  ; and 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITY.  2(59 

for  this  reason  I never  made  any  remonstrances  on  the 
subject,  but  only  stroked  him,  for  I knew  that  he  was 
but  a cat’s  paw  in  the  hands  of  the  British  officers,  and 
that,  if  he  should  use  us  well,  he  would  immediately 
be  put  out  of  that  trust,  and  a worse  man  appointed  to 
succeed  him ; but  there  was  no  need  of  making  any 
new  appointment ; for  Cunningham,  their  provost  mar- 
shall, and  Keef,  his  deputy,  were  as  great  rascals  as 
their  army  could  boast  of,  except  one  Joshua  Boring, 
an  infamous  tory,  who  was  commissary  of  prisoners  ; 
nor  can  any  of  these  be  supposed  to  be  equally  criminal 
with  Gen.  Sir  William  Howe  and  his  associates,  who 
prescribed  and  directed  the  murders  and  cruelties, 
which  were  by  them  perpetrated.  This  Loring  is  a 
monster! — There  is  not  his  like  in  human  shape.  He 
exhibits  a smiling  countenance,  seems  to  wear  a phiz 
of  humanity,  but  has  been  instrumentally  capable  of  the 
most  consumate  acts  of  wickedness,  which  were  first 
projected  by  an  abandoned  British  council  clothed  with 
the  authority  of  a Howe,  murdering  premeditatedly,  in 
cold  blood,  near  or  quite  two  thousand  helpless  pris- 
oners and  that  in  the  most  clandestine,  mean  and 
shameful  manner,  at  Hew- York.  He  is  the  most  mean 
spirited,  cowardly,  deceitful,  and  destructive  animal  in 
God’s  creation  below,  and  legions  of  infernal  devil^ 
with  all  their  tremendous  horrors,  are  impatiently  ready 
to  receive  Howe  and  him,  with  all  their  detestable 
accomplices,  into  the  most  exquisite  agonies  of  the 
hottest  region  of  hell  fire. 

The  6th  day  of  July,  1777,  Gen.  St.  Clair,  and  the 
army  under  his  command,  evacuated  Ticonderoga,  and 
retreated  with  the  main  body  through  Hubbarton  into 
Castleton,  which  was  but  six  miles  distant,  when  his 
rear  guard,  commanded  by  Col.  Seth  Warner,  was  at- 
tacked at  Hubbarton  b}r  a body  of  the  enemy  of  about 
two  thousand,  commanded  by  General  Fraser.  War- 
ner’s command  consisted  of  his  own  and  other  two 
regiments,  viz.  Francis’s  and  Hale’s,  and  some  scatter- 
ing and  enfeebled  soldiers.  His  whole  number,  accord- 
ing to  information,  was  near  or  quite  one  thousand ; 
part  of  which  were  Green  Mountain  Boys,  about  seven 


270  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

hundred  of  the  whole  he  brought  into  action.  The 
enemy  advanced  boldly,  and  the  two  bodies  formed 
within  about  sixty  yards  of  each  other.  Col.  Warner 
having  formed  his  own  regiment,  and  that  of  Col. 
Francis’s  did  not  wait  for  the  enemy,  but  gave  them  a 
heavy  fire  from  his  whole  line,  and  they  returned  it 
with  great  bravery.  It  was  by  this  time,  dangerous 
for  those  of  both  parties,  who  were  not  prepared  for 
the  world  to  come  ; but  Colonel  Hale  being  apprised 
of  the  danger,  never  brought  his  regiment  to  the  charge, 
but  left  Warner  and  Francis  to  stand  the  blowingof  it, 
and  fled,  but  luckily  fell  in  with  an  inconsiderable 
number  of  the  enemy,  and  to  his  eternal  shame,  sur- 
rendered himself  a prisoner. 

The  conflict  was  very  bloody.  Col.  Francis  fell  in 
the  same,  but  Col.  Warner,  and  the  officers  under  his 
command,  as  also  the  soldiery,  behaved  with  great 
resolution.  The  enemy  broke,  and  gave  way  on  the 
right  and  left,  but  formed  again,  and  renewed  the  at- 
tack ; in  the  mean  time  the  British  granadiers,  in  the 
center  of  the  enemy’s  line  maintained  the  ground,  and 
finally  carried  it  with  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  and 
Warner  retreated  with  reluctance.  Our  loss  was  about 
thirty  men  killed,  and  that  of  the  enemy  amounting  to 
three  hundred  killed,' including  a Major  Grant.  The 
enemy’s  loss  I learnt  from  the  confession  of  their  own 
officers,  when  a prisoner  with  them.  I heard  them 
likewise  complain,  that  the  Green  Mountain  Boys  took 
sight.  The  next  movement  of  the  enemy,  of  any  ma- 
terial consequence,  was  their  investing  Bennington, 
with  a design  to  demolish  it,  and  subject  its  Mountain- 
eers, to  which  they  had  a great  aversion,  with  one 
hundred  and  fifty  chosen  men,  including  tories,  with 
the  highest  expectation  of  success,  and  having  chosen 
an  eminence  of  strong  ground,  fortified  it  with  slight 
breast  works,  and  two  pieces  of  cannon ; but  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  young  state  of  Vermont,  being  previ- 
ously jealous  of  such  an  attempt  of  the  enemy,  and  in 
due  time  had  procured  a number  of  brave  militia  from 
the  government  of  the  state  of  JSTewr-Hampshire,  who, 
together  with  the  militia  of  the  north  part  of  Berkshire 


cJhx/yri'iu 

NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITT.  271 

county,  and  state  of  Massachusetts,  and  the  Green 
Mountain  Boys,  constituted  a body  of  desperadoes, 
under  the  command  of  the  intrepid  general  Stark,  who 
in  number  were  about  equal  to  the  enemy.  Colonel 
Herrick,  who  commanded  the  Green  Mountain  Bangers, 
and  who  was  second  in  command,  being  thoroughly  ac- 
quainted with  the  ground  where  the  enemy  had  forti- 
fied, proposed  to  attack  them  in  their  works  upon  all 
parts,  at  the  same  time.  This  plan  being  adopted  by 
the  general  and  his  council  of  war,  the  little  militia 
brigade  of  undisciplined  heroes,  with  their  long  brown 
firelocks,  the  best  security  of  a free  people,  without 
either  cannon  or  bayonets,  was,  on  the  16th  day  of 
August,  led  on  to  the  attack  by  their  bold  commanders, 
in  the  face  of  the  enemy’s  dreadful  fire,  and  to  the 
astonishment  of  the  world,  and  burlesque  of  discipline, 
carried  every  part  of  their  lines  in  less  than  one  quar- 
ter of  an  hour  after  the  attack  became  general,  took 
their  cannon,  killed  and  captivated  more  than  two- 
thirds  of  their  number,  which  immortalized  general 
Stark,  and  made  Bennington  famous  to  posterity. 

Among  the  enemy’s  slain  was  found  colonel  Baum, 
their  commander,  a colonel  Pfester,  who  headed  an 
infamous  gang  of  tories,  and  a large  part  of  his  com- 
mand ; and  among  the  prisoners  was  major  Meibome, 
their  second  in  command,  a number  of  British  and 
Hessian  officers,  surgeons,  &c.,  and  more  than  one 
hundred  of  the  aforementioned  Pfester’s  command. 
The  prisoners  being  collected  together,  were  sent  to  the 
meeting-house  in  the  town,  by  a strong  guard,  and 
Gen.  Stark  not  imagining  any  present  danger,  the  mil- 
itia scattered  from  him  to  rest  and  refresh  themselves  ; 
in  this  situation  he  was  on  a sudden  attacked  by  a 
reinforcement  of  one  thousand  and  one  hundred  of  the 
enemy,  commanded  by  a governor  Skene,  with  two 
field  pieces.  The}7  advanced  in  regular  order,  and  kept 
up  an  incessant  fire,  especially  from  their  field  pieces* 
and  the  remaining  militia  retreating  slowly  before 
them,  disputed  the  ground  inch  by  inch.  The  enemy 
were  heard  to  halloo  to  them,  saying,  stop  Yankees! 
In  the  meantime,  Col.  Warner,  with  about  one  hundred 
12* 


272  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 


and  thirty  men  of  his  regiment,  who  were  not  in 
the  first  action,  arrived  and  attacked  the  enemy  with 
great  fury,  being  determined  to  have  ample  revenge 
on  account  of  the  quarrel  at  Hubbard  ton,  which 
brought  them  to  a stand,  and  soon  after  general  Stark 
and  colonel  Herrick,  brought  on  more  of  the  scattered 
militia,  and  the  action  became  general ; in  a few  min- 
utes the  enemy  were  forced  from  their  cannon,  gave 
way  on  all  parts  and  fled,  and  the  shotfts  of  victory 
were  a second  time  proclaimed  in  favor  of  the  militia. 
The  enemy’s  loss  in  killed  and  prisoners,  in  these  two 
actions,  amounted  to  more  than  one  thousand  and  two 
hundred  men,  and  our  loss  did  not  exceed  fifty  men. 
This  was  a bitter  stroke  to  the  enemy,  but  their  pride 
would  not  permit  them  to  hesitate  but  that  they  could 
vanquish  the  country,  and  as  a specimen  of  their  arro- 
gancy,  I shall  insert  general  Burgoyne’s  proclamation  : 

“ By  John  Burgoyne,  Esq.,  Lieutenant-General  of  his  Majesty’s 
armies  in  America,  Colonel  of  the  Queen’s  regiment  of  light 
dragoons,  Governor  of  Fort  William  in  North-Britain,  one  of 
the  Representatives  of  the  Commons  of  Great  Britain,  in  Par- 
liament, and  commanding  an  army  and  fleet  employed  on  an 
expedition  from  Canada,  &c.  &c.  &c. 

“ The  forces  entrusted  to  my  command  are  designed  to  act  in 
concert  and  upon  a common  principle,  with  the  numerous  armies 
and  fleets  which  already  display  in  every  quarter  of  America, 
the  power,  the  justice,  and,  when  properly  sought,  the  mercy  of 
the  King. 

“The  cause,  in  which  the  British  arms  are  thus  exerted, 
applies  to  the  most  affecting  interests  of  the  human  heart ; and 
the  military  servants  of  the  crown,  at  first  called  forth  for  the 
sole  purpose  of  restoring  the  rights  of  the  constitution,  now 
combine  with  love  of  their  country,  and  duty  to  their  sovereign, 
the  other  extensive  excitements  which  spring  from  a due  sense 
of  the  general  privileges  of  mankind.  To  the  eyes  and  ears  of 
the  temperate  part  of  the  public,  and  to  the  breasts  of  suffering 
thousands  in  the  provinces,  be  the  melancholy  appeal,  whether 
the  present  unnatural  rebellion  has  not  been  made  a foundation 
for  the  completest  system  of  tyranny  that  ever  God,  in  his  dis- 
pleasure, suffered  for  a time  to  be  exercised  over  a froward  and 
stubborn  generation. 

“ Arbitrary  imprisonment,  confiscation  of  property,  persecution 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITY. 


273 


and  torture,  unprecedented  in  the  inquisitions  of  the  Romish 
Church,  are  among  the  palpable  enormities  that  verify  the  affirm- 
ative. These  are  inflicted  by  assemblies  and  committees,  who 
dare  to  profess  themselves  friends  to  liberty,  upon  the  most  quiet 
subjects,  without  distinction  of  age  or  sex,  for  the  sole  crime, 
often  for  the  sole  suspicion,  of  having  adhered  in  principle  to 
the  government  under  which  they  were  born,  and  to  which,  by 
every  tie,  divine  and  human,  they  owe  allegiance.  To  consum- 
mate these  shocking  proceedings,  the  profanation  of  religion  is 
added  to  the  most  profligate  prostitution  of  common  reason; 
the  consciences  of  men  are  set  at  nought ; and  multitudes  are 
compelled  not  only  to  bear  arms,  but  also  to  swear  subjection  to 
an  usurpation  they  abhor. 

“ Animated  by  these  considerations,  at  the  head  of  troops  in 
the  full  powers  of  health,  discipline  and  valor  ; determined  to 
strike  where  necessary,  and  anxious  to  spare  where  possible,  I 
by  these  presents  invite  and  exhort  all  persons,  in  all  places 
where  the  progress  of  this  array  may  point ; and  by  the  blessing 
of  God  I will  extend  it  far  to  maintain  such  a conduct  as  may 
justify  me  in  protecting  their  lands,  habitations  and  families. 
The  intention  of  this  address  is  to  hold  forth  security,  not  depre- 
dation to  th£  country.  To  those  whom  spirit  and  principle  may 
induce  to  partake  of  the  glorious  task  of  redeeming  their  coun- 
trymen from  dungeons,  and  re-establishing  the  blessings  of  legal 
government,  I offer  encouragement  and  employment;  and  upon 
the  first  intelligence  of  their  associations,  I will  find  means  to 
assist  their  undertakings.  The  domestic,  the  industrious,  the 
infirm,  and  even  the  timid  inhabitants  I am  desirous  to  protect, 
provided  they  remain  quietly  at  their  houses;  that  they  do  not 
suffer  their  cattle  to  be  removed,  nor  their  corn  or  forage  to  be 
secreted  or  destroyed ; that  they  do  not  break  up  their  bridges 
or  roads:  nor  by  any  other  act,  directly  or  indirectly,  endeavour 
to  obstruct  the  operations  of  the  king’s  troops,  or  supply  or  assist 
those  of  the  enemy.  Every  species  of  provision  brought  to  my 
camp,  will  be  paid  for  at  an  equitable  rate,  and  in  solid  coin. 

“ In  consciousness  of  Christianity,  my  royal  master’s  clemancy, 
and  the  honor  of  soldiership,  I have  dwelt  upon  this  invitation, 
and  wished  for  more  persuasive  terms  to  give  it  impression.  And 
let  not  people  be  led  to  disregard  it  by  considering;  their  distance 
from  the  immediate  situation  of  my  camp.  I have  but  to  give 
stretch  to  the  Indian  forces  under  my  direction,  and  they  amount 
to  thousands,  to  overtake  the  hardened  enemies  of  Great  Britain 
and  America:  I consider  them  the  same  wherever  they  may 
lurk. 


274  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

“ If,  notwithstanding  these  endeavours,  and  sincere  inclinations 
to  effect  them,  the  phrensy  of  hostility  should  remain,  I trust  I 
shall  stand  acquitted  in  the  eye6  of  God  and.  man,  in  denouncing 
and  executing  the  vengeance  of  the  state  against  the  wilful  out- 
casts. The  messengers  of  justice  and  of  wrath  await  them  in 
the  field ; and  devastation,  famine,  and  every  concomitant  horror 
that  a reluctant  but  indispensible  prosecution  of  military  duty 
must  occasion,  will  bear  the  way  to  their  return. 

J.  BURGOYNE. 

“ By  order  of  his  Excellency  the  Lieut.  General, 

Robert  Kingston,  Sec. 

“ Camp  near  Ticonderoga,  4th  July,  1777.” 

Gen.  Burgoyne  was  still  the  toast,  and  the  severities 
towards  the  prisoners  were  in  great  measure  increased 
or  diminished,  in  proportion  to  the  expectation  of  con- 
quest. His  very  ostentatious  Proclamation  was  in  the 
hand  and  mouth  of  most  of  the  soldiery,  especially 
the  tories,  and  from  it,  their  faith  was  raised  to  assur- 
rance.  I wish  my  countrymen  in  general  could  have 
an  idea  of  the  assuming  tyranny,  and  haug*hty,  malev- 
olent, and  insolent  behavior  of  the  enemy  at  that  time ; 
and  from  thence  discern  the  intolerable  calamities 
which  this  country  have  extricated  themselves  from 
by  their  public  spiritedness  and  bravery.  The  down- 
fall of  Gen.  Burgoyne,  and  surrender  of  his  whole 
army,  dashed  the  aspiring  hopes  and  expectations  of 
the  enemy,  and  brought  low  the  imperious  spirit  of  an 
opulent,  puissant  and  haughty  nation,  and  made  the 
tories  bite  the  ground  with  anguish,  exalting  the  valoi 
of  the  free-born  sons  of  America,  and  raised  their  fame 
and  that  of  their  brave  commanders  to  the  clouds, 
and  immortalized  Gen.  Gates  with  laurels  of  eternal 
duration.*  Ho  sooner  had  the  knowledge  of  this  inter- 

* The  defeat  of  Burgoyne  gave  Ethan  Allen  a welcome  opportunity  to 
return  the  ridicule  with  which  the  British  officers  had  been  accustomed 
to  speak  of  the  continental  troops,  and  he  was  not  the  man  to  shut  his 
teeth  against  the  many  biting  sarcasms  which  pressed  to  his  mouth  for 
utterance.  Nor  was  he  the  man  to  speak  depreciatingly  of  his  own 
merits ; and  on  one  ocoasion,  while  boasting  of  the  success  of  the  revo- 
lutionary army,  he  spoke  of  himself  and  his  brothers,  and  said  there  waff 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEn’s  CAPTIVITY.  275 

©sting  and  mighty  event  reached  His  most  Christian 
Majesty,  who  in  Europe,  shines  with  a superior  lustre 
in  goodness,  policy  and  arms,  but  the  illustrious 
potentate,  auspiciously  influenced  by  Heaven  to  pro- 
mote the  reciprocal  interest  and  happiness  of  the 
ancient  kingdom  of  France,  and  the  new  and  rising 
states  of  America,  passed  the  great  and  decisive  decree 
that  the  United  States  of  America,  should  be  free  and 
independent.  Yaunt  no  more,  Old  England!  con- 
sider you  are  but  an  island  ! and  that  your  power  has 
been  continued  longer  than  the  exercise  of  your  hu- 
manity. Order  your  broken  vanquished  battalions 
to  retire  from  America,  the  scene  of  your  cruelties. 
Go  home  and  repent  in  dust  and  sackcloth  for  your 
aggravated  crimes.  The  cries  of  bereaved  parents, 
widows  and  orphans,  reach  the  heavens,  and  you  are 
abominated  by  every  friend  to  America.  Take  your 
friends  the  tories  with  you,  and  be  gone,  and  drink 
deep  of  the  cup  of  humiliation.  Make  peace  with  the 
princes  of  the  house  of  Bourbon,  for  you  are  in  no 
condition  to  wage  war  with  them.  Your  veteran  sol- 
diers are  fallen  in  America,  and  your  glory  is  departed. 
Be  quiet  and  pay  your  debts,  especially  for  the  hire 
of  the  Hessians.  There  is  no  other  way  for  you  to 
get  into  credit  again,  but  by  reformation  and  plain 
honesty,  which  you  have  despised ; for  your  power  is 
by  no  means  sufficient  to  support  your  vanity.  I have 
had  opportunity  to  see  a great  deal  of  it,  and  felt  its 
severe  effects,  and  learned  lessons  of  wisdom  and 
policy,  when  I wore  your  heavy  irons,  and  bore  your 
bitter  revilings  and  reproaches.  I have  something  of 
a smattering  of  philosophy,  and  understand  human 
nature  in  all  its  stages  tolerably  well  ; am  thoroughly 
acquainted  with  your  national  crimes,  and  assure  you 
that  they  not  only  cry  aloud  for  Heaven’s  vengeance, 
but  excite  mankind  to  rise  up  against  you.  Virtue, 
wisdom  and  policy  are  in  a national  sense,  always 


never  a woman  who  had  seven  sons  that  could  equal  those  of  his  mother 
A British  officer  tartly  insisted  that  Allen  ought  to  except  Mary  Magda- 
len. who  also  was  delivered  of  seven  devils. 


276  ETHAN  AL'LEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

connected  with  power,  or  in  other  words,  power  is  their 
offspring,  and  such  power  as  is  not  directed  by  virtue, 
wisdom  and  policy  never  fails  finally  to  destroy  itself 
as  yours  has  done.  It  is  so  in  the  nature  of  things, 
and  unfit  that  it  would  be  otherwise ; for  if  it  was 
not  so,  vanity,  injustice,  and  oppression,  might  reigu 
triumphant  forever.  I know  you  have  individuals,  who 
still  retain  their  virtue,  and  consequently  their  honor 
and  humanity.  Those  I really  pity,  as  they  must 
more  or  less  suffer  in  the  calamity,  in  which  the  na- 
tion is  plunged  headlong ; but  as  a nation  I hate  and 
despise  you. 

My  affections  are  Frenchified.  I glory  in  Louis 
the  sixteenth,  the  generous  and  powerful  ally  of  these 
states  ; am  fond  of  a connection  with  so  enterprising, 
learned,  polite,  courteous  and  commercial  a nation,  and 
am  sure  that  I express  the  sentiments  and  feelings  of 
all  the  friends  to  the  present  revolution.  I begin  to 
learn  the  French  tongue,  and  recommend  it  to  my 
countrymen,  before  Hebrew,  Greek  or  Latin,  (provided 
that  one  of  them  only  are  to  be  attended  to)  for  the 
trade  and  commerce  of  these  states  in  future  must  in- 
evitably shift  its  channel  from  England  to  France, 
Spain  and  Portugal  ; and  therefore  the  statesman,  pol- 
itician and  merchant,  need  be  acquainted  with  their 
several  languages,  particularly  the  French,  which  is 
much  in  vogue  in  most  parts  of  Europe.  Nothing 
could  have  served  so  effectually  to  illuminate,  polish 
and  enrich  these  states  as  the  present  revolution,  as 
well  as  preserve  their  liberty.  Mankind  are  naturally 
too  national,  even  to  a degree  of  bigotry,  and  commer- 
cial intercourse  with  foreign  nations,  has  a great  and 
necessary  tendency  to  improve  mankind,  and  erase  the 
superstition  of  the  mind  by  acquainting  them  that 
human  nature,  policy  and  instinct,  are  the  same  in  all 
nations,  and  at  the  same  time  they  are  bartering  com- 
modities for  the  conveniences  and  happiness  of  each 
nation,  they  may  reciprocally  exchange  such  part  of 
their  customs  and  manners  as  may  be  beneficial,  and 
learn  to  extend  charity  and  good  will  to  the  whole 
world  of  mankind.  I was  confined  in  the  provost-gaol 


NARRATIVE  OF  ALLEN’S  CAPTIVITY.  277 

at  New-York,  the  26th  day  of  August,  and  continued 
there  to  the  3d  day  of  May,  1778,  when  I was  taken 
out  under  guard,  and  conducted  to  a sloop  in  the  har- 
bor of  New- York,  in  which  I was  guarded  to  Staten- 
Island,  to  general  Campbell’s  quarters,  where  I was 
permitted  to  eat  and  drink  with  the  general  and  sev- 
eral other  of  the  British  held  officers,  and  treated  for 
two  days  in  a polite  manner.  As  I was  drinking  win6 
with  them  one  evening,  I made  an  observation  on  my 
transition  from  the  provost  criminals  to  the  company 
of  gentlemen,  adding  that  I was  the  same  man  still, 
and  should  give  the  British  credit,  by  him  (speaking 
to  the  general)  for  two  days  good  usage. 

The  next  day  colonel  Archibald  Campbell,  who  was 
exchanged  for  me,  came  to  this  place,  conducted  by 
Mr.  Boudinot,  the  then  American  commissary  of  pris- 
oners, and  saluted  me  in  a handsome  manner,  saying 
that  he  never  was  more  glad  to  see  a gentleman  in  his 
life,  and  I gave  him  to  understand  that  I was  equally 
glad  to  see  him,  and  was  apprehensive  that  it  was  from 
the  same  motive.  The  gentlemen  present  laughed  at 
the  fancy,  and  conjectured  that  sweet  liberty  was  the 
foundation  of  our  gladness  : so  we  took  a glass  of 
wine  together,  and  then  I was  accompanied  by  general 
Campbell,  colonel  Campbell,  Mr.  Boudicot,  and  a 
number  of  British  officers,  to  the  boat  which  was  ready 
to  sail  to  Elizabethtown-point.  Meanwhile  I enter- 
tained them  with  a rehearsal  of  the  cruelties  exercised 
towards  our  prisoners  ; and  assured  them  that  I should 
use  my  influence,  that  their  prisoners  should  be  treated, 
in  future,  in  the  same  manner,  as  they  should  in  future 
treat  ours  ; that  I thought  it  was  right  in  such  extreme 
cases,  that  their  example  should  be  applied  to  their 
own  prisoners  ; then  exchanged  the  decent  ceremonies 
of  compliment,  and  parted.  I sailed  to  the  point 
aforesaid,  and,  in  a transport  of  joy,  landed  on  liberty 
ground,  and  as  I advanced  into  the  country,  received 
the  acclamations  of  a grateful  people. 

I soon  fell  into  company  with  colonel  Shelden,  of  the 
light  horse,  who  in  a polite  and  obliging  manner  ac- 
companied me  to  head  quarters,  Valley  Forge,  where  I 


278  ETI1AN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

was  courteously  received  by  Gen.  Washington,  with 
peculiar  marks  of  his  approbation  and  esteem,  and 
was  introduced  to  most  of  the  generals,  and  many  of 
the  principal  officers  of  the  army,  who  treated  me 
with  respect,  and  after  having  offered  Gen.  Washing- 
ton my  further  services  in  behalf  of  my  country,  as 
soon  as  my  health,  which  was  very  much  impaired, 
would  admit,  and  obtain  his  license  to  return  home, 
I took  my  leave  of  his  excellency,  and  set  out  from 
Valley  Forge  with  general  Gates  and  his  suit  foi 
Fishkill,  where  we  arrived  the  latter  end  of  May.  In 
this  tour  the  general  was  pleased  to  treat  me  with  the 
familiarity  of  -a  companion,  and  generosity  of  a lord, 
and  to  him  I made  known  some  striking  circumstances 
which  occurred  in  the  course  of  my  captivity.  I then 
bid  farewell  to  my  noble  general  and  the  gentlemen  of 
his  retinue,  and  set  out  for  Bennington,  the  capital  of 
the  Green  Mountain  Boys,  where  I arrived  the  evening 
of  the  last  day  of  May,  to  their  great  surprise;  for  I 
was  thought  to  be  dead,  and  now  both  their  joy  and 
mine  was  complete.  Three  cannon  were  fired  that 
evening,  and  next  morning  colonel  Herrick  gave  orders 
and  fourteen  more  were  discharged,  welcoming  me  to 
Bennington,  my  usual  place  of  abode  ; thirteen  for  the 
United  Steftes,  and  one  for  Young  Vermont. 

After  this  ceremony  was  ended  we  moved  the  flow- 
ing bowl,  and  rural  felicity,  sweetened  with  friendship, 
glowed  in  each  countenance,  and  with  loyal  healths  to 
the  rising  States  of  America,  concluded  that  evening, 
and,  with  the  same  loyal  spirit,  I now  conclude  my 
narrative. 


CHAPTER  IY. 

» 

TEE  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 


“ Oh,  few  and  weak  their  numbers  were, 

A handful  of  brave  men  ; 

But  to  their  God  they  gave  their  prayer, 

And  rushed  to  battle  then. 

They  left  the  plowshare  in  the  mold, 

Their  flocks  and  herds  without  a fold. 

The  sickle  in  the  unshorn  grain, 

The  corn  half-garnered  on  the  plain. 

And  mustered  in  their  simple  dress, 

For  wrongs  to  seek  a stern  redress  — 

To  right  those  wrongs,  come  weal,  come  woe, 

To  perish  or  o’ercome  their  foe,” 

M’Lellan. 

In  communities  established  after  the  manner  of  the 
United  States,  history  does  not  begin  with  obscure  or 
fabulous  legends.  The  origin  of  the  nation,  and  the 
rise  and  progress  of  all  its  institutions,  may  be  dis- 
tinctly known.  The  people  may  obtain  accurate  and 
familiar  acquaintance  with  the  character  of  their  ear- 
liest national  ancestors,  and  of  every  succeeding  gen- 
eration through  which  the  inheritance  of  the  national 
name  and  fortune  has  devolved  upon  themselves.  When 
this  interesting  knowledge  is  blended  with  the  infor- 
mation that  their  existence  as  a people  originated  in 
the  noblest  efforts  of  wisdom,  fortitude,  and  magna 
nimity,  and  that  every  successive  acquisition  by  which 
their  liberty  and  happiness  have  been  extended  and 


280  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN  -MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

secured,  has  arisen  from  the  exercise  of  the  same  qual- 
ities, and  evinced  their  faithful  preservation  and  unim- 
paired efficacy, — respect  for  former  times  becomes  the 
motive  and  pledge  of  virtue  ; the  whole  nation  feels 
itself  ennobled  by  ancestors  whose  renown  will  con- 
tinue till  the  end  of  time  the  honor  or  reproach  of  theii 
successors ; and  the  love  of  virtue  is  so  interwoven 
with  patriotism  and  national  glory,  as  to  prevent  the 
one  from  becoming  a selfish  principle,  and  tlje  othei 
a splendid  or  mischievous  illusion.  If  an  inspired 
apostle  might  with  complacency  proclaim  himself  a 
citizen  of  no  mean  city,  an  American  may  feel  grateful 
exultation  in  avowing  himself  the  native  of  no  ignoble 
land, — but  of  a land  that  has  yielded  as  great  an  in 
crease  of  glory  to  God  and  of  happiness  to  man,  as  any 
other  portion  of  the  world,  since  “the  first  syllable  of 
recorded  time,”  has  ever  had  the  honor  of  producing. 
A nobler  model  of  human  character  could  hardly  be 
proposed  to  the  inhabitants  of  New  England,  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  others  of  the  United  States,  than  that  which 
their  own  history  supplies.  It  is  at  once  their  interest 
and  their  glory  to  preserve  with  sacred  care  a model  so 
rich.y  fraught  with  the  instructions  of  wisdom  and  the 
incitements  of  duty.  The  memory  of  those  whom  they 
claim  as  their  natural  or  national  ancestors,  will  bless 
all  those  who  account  it  blessed  ; and  the  ashes  of  their 
fathers  will  give  forth  a nobler  influence  than  the  bones 
of  the  prophet  of  Israel,  in  reviving  piety  and  invig 
orating  virtue.  So  much,  at  the  same  time,  of  human 
weakness  and  imperfection  is  discernible  in  the  con- 
duct, or  is  attested  by  the  avowals  of  these  eminent 
men,  and  so  steady  and  explicit  was  their  reference  to 


CHARACTER  OF  OUR  ANCESTORS. 


281 


heavenly  aid,  of  all  the  good  they  were  capable  to 
perform  or  attain,  that  the  admiration  they  so  strongly 
deserve,  enforces  the  scriptural  testimony  to  the  riches 
of  divine  grace,  and  the  reflected  luster  of  human 
virtue. 

The  history  of  man  never  exhibited  an  effort  of 
more  vigorous  and  enterprising  virtue,  than  the  orig- 
inal migration  of  the  colonists  of  this  then  distant  and 
desolate  region  ; and  the  annals  of  colonization  do  not 
supply  a single  instance  of  the  foundation  of  a com- 
monwealth, and  its  advancement  through  a period  of 
weakness  and  danger  to  strength  and  security,  in  which 
the  principal  actors  have  left  behind  them  a reputation 
at  once  so  illustrious  and  unsullied,  with  fewer  memo- 
rials calculated  to  pervert  the  moral  sense,  or  awaken 
the  regret  ot  mankind.  The  relation  of  their  achieve- 
ments has  a powerful  tendency  to  excite  hope,  and 
animate  perseverance — to  impart  courage  to  the 
good,  and  to  fortify  the  virtues  of  the  brave.  The 
Puritans  could  not,  indeed,  boast,  like  the  founders  of 
Pennsylvania,  that  by  a resolute  profession  of  non-re- 
sistance of  injuries,  and  as  faithful  adherence  to  that 
profession,  they  had  so  realized  the  divine  protection  by 
an  exclusive  reliance  on  it,  as  to  disarm  the  ferocity  of 
savages,  and  conduct  the  establishment  of  their  com- 
monwealth without  violence  and  bloodshed.  But  if 
they  were  involved  in  numerous  wars,  it  was  the  sin- 
gular and  honorable  characteristic  of  them  all,  that 
they  were  invariably  the  offspring  of  self-defense 
against  the  unprovoked  malignity  of  their  adversaries, 
and  that  not  one  of  them  was  undertaken  from  motives 
of  conquest  or  plunder.  Though  they  considered  these 


282  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREENtMOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

wars  as  necessary  and  justifiable,  they  deeply  deplored 
them  ; and,  more  than  once,  the  most  distressing  doubts 
were  expressed,  at  the  close  of  their  hostilities,  if  it 
were  lawful  for  Christians  to  carry  even  the  rights  of 
self-defense  to  such  fatal  extremity.  They  behaved  to 
the  Indian  tribes  with  as  much  good-faith  and  justice 
as  they  could  have  shown  to  a powerful  and  civilized 
people,*  and  were  incited  by  their  inferiority  to  no 
other  acts  than  a series  of  the  most  magnanimous  and 
laudable  endeavors  to  instruct  their  ignorance,  and 
elevate  their  condition.f  If  they  fell  short  of  the  col- 
onists of  Pennsylvania  in  the  exhibition  of  Christian 
meekness,  they  unquestionably  excelled  them  in  the 
extent  and  activity  of  Christian  labor.  If  the  Quakers 
succeeded  in  disarming  the  Indians,  the  Puritans 
labored  to  convert  them. 

* Not  only  were  all  the  lands  occupied  by  the  colonists  fairly  pur- 
chased from  their  Indian  owners,  but  in  some  parts  of  the  country,  the 
lands  were  subject  to  quit-rents  to  the  Indians,  “ which,”  says  Belknap, 
in  1784,  “ are  annually  paid  to  their  posterity.”  From  the  many  deeds 
and  other  documents  still  in  existence,  especially  in  the  New-England 
states  and  New  York,  it  is  certain  that  regular  purchases  were  invaria- 
bly made  of  the  Indians.  The  consideration  given  was  usually  small ; 
but  there  is  no  reason  to  suppose  that  it  was  not  all  the  lands  were  worth 
at  the  time.  A curious  example  of  the  opinions  prevalent  in  early 
times,  and  the  change  which  has  since  occurred,  is  afforded  by  the  man- 
ner in  which  their  payments  were  made,  a portion  of  the  consideration 
usually  being  spirituous  liquors.  Two  townships  in  the  western  part  of 
Massachusetts,  for  instance,  were  purchased,  according  to  a deed  which  is 
still  preserved,  for  “ £460,  three  barrels  of  cider,  and  thirty  quarts  of 
rum .” 

t The  accounts  of  the  first  conversations  which  the  missionaries  had 
with  these  heathen,  abound  with  curious  questions  and  observations  that 
proceeded  from  the  Indians  in  relation  to  the  tidings  that  were  brought 
to  their  ears.  The  account  which  Elliott,  the  “ Apostle  of  the  Indians,” 


ORIGIN  OF  THE  REPUBLIC. 


283 


The  history  of  the  colonization  of  this  continent, 
clearly  indicates  the  destiny  for  which  it  was  ultimately 
designed.  This  great  republic  is  but  the  natural  de- 
velopment of  the  little  community  that  first  landed  on 
Plymouth  rock.  The  American  Revolution  was  no 
6udden  outburst  of  popular  fury.  It  had  its  origin  in 
the  first  landing  of  the  pilgrims.  Tyranny  had  become 
# so  strong  in  the  eastern  world,  that  there  seemed  no 
possibility  that  the  people  would  ever  succeed  in  the 
attainment  of  their  just  rights.  The  fires  of  freedom 
were  quenched  by  the  blood  of  the  scaffold,  or,  if  a 
tyrant  was  overthrown  by  an  indignant  people,  anarchy 
in  its  most  appalling  form  succeeded,  from  which  there 
was  no  escape,  but  submission  to  the  yoke  of  another 
oppressor.  But  Columbus,  ignorant  of  the  boon  he  was 

gave  of  one  interview  with  the  savages,  will  illustrate  this.  One  Indian 
asked,  Whether  Englishmen  were  ever  as  ignorant  of  Jesus  Christ  as 
the  Indians  ? A second,  Whether  Jesus  Christ  could  understand  prayers 
in  the  Indian  language  ? A third,  How  there  could  be  an  image  of 
God,  since  it.  was  forbidden  in  the  second  commandment  ? On  another 
occasion,  an  old  Indian,  with  tears  in  his  eyes,  asked,  Whether  it  was 
not  too  late  for  such  an  old  man  as  he,  who  was  near  death,  to  repent 
and  seek  after  God  ? A second  asked,  How  the  English  came  to  diffei 
60  much  from  the  Indian  in  their  knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ,  since  they 
had  all  at  first  but  one  father  ? Several  inquired,  How  Judas  could 
deserve  blame  for  facilitating  the  end  which  it  was  the  purpose  of  God 
to  effect  ? One  woman  asked,  Whether  she  was  entitled  to  consider  her- 
self as  having  prayed,  when  she  merely  joined  in  her  mind  with  her 
husband,  who  prayed  by  her  side  ? Another,  If  her  husband's  prayer 
signified  any  thing  while  he  continued  to  beat  his  wife  ? Many  of  the 
converts  continued  to  believe  that  the  gods  whom  they  had  formerly 
served,  had  in  reality  great  power,  but  were  spirits  subordinate  to  the 
true  and  only  God.  One  sachem  sent  for  an  Indian  convert,  and  de- 
sired to  know  how  many  Gods  the  English  had  ? When  he  heard  they 
had  but  one,  he  replied  scornfully  : “ Is  that  all  ? I have  thirty -seven  l 

Do  they  suppose  T would  exchange  so  many  for  one  ? ” 


284:  ETIIAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

conferring  on  mankind,  discovered  a new  world.  The 
6eeds  of  freedom,  which  were  not  permitted  to  germi- 
nate in  the  old  world,  were  brought  in  the  Mayflower 
to  the  new.  Wise  and  good  men,  disheartened  by  their 
warfare  against  wrong,  fled  to  it  for  an  asylum.  Neg- 
lected by  the  government  under  whose  control  they 
nominally  remained,  they  were  compelled  to  govern 
themselves  — to  make  and  administer  their  own  laws. 
They  were  a small  community  — all  mutually  known, — 
all  mutually  loved, — all  intelligent,  conscientious,  and 
animated  by  an  ardent  piety.  It  was  not  difficult  for 
them  to  do  justice  to  each  other,  and  in  doing  this, 
they  were  unconsciously  evolving  the  great  principles 
upon  which  all  just  government  must  be  founded.  Had 
they  known  the  importance  of  the  work  in  which  they 
were  engaged,  it  is  doubtful  -whether  they  would  have 
done  it  so  well.  They  gradually  grew  in  strength. 
Other  colonies  were  at  intervals  established  along  the 
Atlantic  coast.  All  were  greatly  influenced  by  the 
example  of  New  England  and  Pennsylvania.  For  a 
century  they  increased  in  power,  their  condition  being 
but  little  known  and  little  cared  for  in  Europe,  and 
their  future  greatness  in  no  degree  anticipated  by 
themselves.  In  their  wars  with  the  Indians  and  the 
French  colony  of  Canada,  they  were  thrown  almost 
entirely  upon  their  own  resources,  for  the  parent  coun- 
try gave  them  but  a feeble  and  reluctant  support. 
They  were  compelled  to  unite  for  their  common  de- 
fense, and  in  1754,  delegates  from  the  several  colonies 
met  at  Albany,  and  with  the  illustrious  Franklin  at 
their  head,  devised  a “plan  of  union,”  which,  although 
it  was  not  adopted  then,  aided  powerfully  in  creating 


CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS. 


285 


a unity  of  feeling  among  the  colonies,  and  prepared 
them  for  combined  resistance  to  the  tyranny  of  the 
British  king,  and  for  a lasting  confederation.  And 
thus  a spirit  of  freedom  had  been  nurtured  on  this 
continent ; republican  institutions  had  become  firmly 
rooted,  and  when  the  English  government  was  at  last 
conscious  of  the  importance  of  the  colonies,  the  day  had 
passed  in  which  it  had  the  power  to  tyrannize  over 
them.  A series  of  oppressive  measures  was  rapidly 
prepared  by  the  minions  of  George  III.,  but  they  were 
resisted  promptly,  perseveringly,  and,  after  a bloody 
struggle  of  seven  years,  effectually. 

The  war  had  already  commenced,  when  the  congress 
which  ultimately  announced  the  final  separation  of  the 
colonies  from  the  parent  country,  assembled  at  Phila- 
delphia. The  most  eminent  men  of  the  various  colo- 
nies had  met  together.  The  meeting  was  awfully 
solemn.  The  object  which  ha  \ brought  them  there 
was  of  incalculable  magnitude  The  liberties  of  no 
less  than  three  millions  of  peoj  e,  with  that  of  all  their 
posterity,  were  staked  on  the  wisdom  and  energy  of 
their  councils.  No  wonder,  tl  m,  at  the  long  and  deep 
silence  which  is  said  to  have  followed  upon  their  or- 
ganization ; at  the  anxiety  w th  which  the  members 
looked  round  upon  each  other ; and  the  reluctance 
which  every  individual  felt  to  open  a business  so  fear- 
fully momentous.  The  embarrassing  silence  was  bro- 
ken by  the  eloquent  Patrick  Henry,  in  a speech  of 
wonderful  power.  An  ardent  love  of  liberty  per 
vaded  every  breast,  and  this  speed  produced  a unanim- 
ity as  advantageous  to  the  cause  they  had  determined 
to  maintain,  as  it  was  appalling  to  their  adversaries. 


286  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

The  proceedings  of  this  celebrated  congress,  the  '.one 
and  temper  of  their  various  resolutions,  the  style  of 
their  addresses,  the  composition  of  the  several  papers 
that  were  drawn  up  by  them,  were  in  every  particular 
calculated  to  excite  the  admiration  of  the  world.  That 
an  assembly  of  fifty-two  men,  nearly  all  educated  in  the 
wilds  of  a new  world,  unpracticed  in  the  arts  of  polity 
and  diplomacy,  most  of  them  inexperienced  in  the 
arduous  duties  of  legislation,  coming  from  distant  and 
distinct  governments,  differing  in  religion,  manners, 
customs,  and  habits,  as  they  did  in  their  views  with 
regard  to  the  nature  of  their  connection  with  Great 
Britain — that  such  an  assembly,  so  constituted,  should 
display  so  much  wisdom,  sagacity,  foresight  and  know- 
ledge of  the  world,  such  skill  in  argument,  such  force 
of  reasoning,  such  firmness  and  soundness  of  judgment, 
so  profound  an  acquaintance  with  the  rights  of  man, 
such  elevation  of  sentiment,  such  genuine  patriotism, 
and,  above  all,  such  unexampled  uDity  of  opinion 
upon  the  measures  brought  before  them,  was  indeed  a 
political  phenomenon,  to  which  history  has  yet  fur- 
nished no  parallel.  JSTor  is  it  less  wonderful,  that  the 
whole  people  of  the  colonies  represented,  should  have 
regarded  the  simple  recommendations  of  this  congress 
with  the  reverence  and  obedience  due  to  the  strongest 
ties  of  law.  Even  in  those  colonies  where  law  and  au- 
thority had  been  set  at  defiance,  the  injunctions  of  the 
congress  were  scrupulously  obeyed,  The  whole  country 
was  in  that  awful  calm  of  expectation,  which  precedes 
the  bursting  storm.  They  were  yet  willing  to  be  re- 
conciled with  the  British  government,  but  ready  to 
enforce  their  rights  at  the  risk  of  life. 


d3  Jtk 


CHARACTER  OF  THE  CONGRESS.  287 

Who  can  consider,  without  deep  and  affecting  sym- 
pathy, that  little  body  of  men,  who,  in  the  name  of 
a young  and  unskilled  people,  then  set  at  defiance 
the  power  of  a mighty  empire  — not  rashly  and  igno- 
rantly, but  advisedly  and  calmly, — having  weighed 
their  own  weakness,  as  well  as  their  adversaries’ 
strength, — feeling  the  heavy  responsibility  that  rested 
on  their  decision, — calculating  the  consequences  of 
attempt  and  failure,  and  then,  with  a full  conviction 
of  all  the  mighty  odds  against  them,  “having  counted 
the  cost  of  the  contest,  and  finding  nothing  so  d-read- 
; ful  as  voluntary  slavery,”  solemnly  “ appealing  to  the 
supreme  Judge  of  the  world  for  the  rectitude  of  their 
intentions,”  and  pledging  to  each  other  their  lives, 
their  fortunes,  and  their  sacred  honor  ; ranging  them- 
selves and  their  infant  nation  under  the  banners  of 
liberty,  denouncing  their  oppressors  “ enemies  in  war, 
in  peace,  friehds.”  There  is  not,  in  the  whole  page 
of  human  history,  any  thing  more  truly  grand  and 
morally  sublime  than  the  conduct  of  the  American 
congress  throughout  the  unequaled  contest  that  fol- 
lowed, upon  which  hung  not  the  liberties  of  our  peo- 
ple only,  but  those  of  mankind.  How  admirable  was 
the  moderation  which  marked  their  earlier  deliberation; 
the  calmness  with  which  they  met  ministerial  haugh- 
tiness; the  firmness  which  they  opposed  to  parliament- 
ary obstinacy,  tempering  vigor  with  prudence,  and 
inflexible  principle  with  forbearance ! How  majestic 
their  dignity  when  called  upon  finally  to  decide  between 
unconditional  submission  and  resistance  by  force! 
With  what  undaunted  courage  they  made  the  noble 
choice,  and,  having  made  it,  "with  what  unshrinking 
13 


288  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MO.UNTAIN  HEROEB. 

fortitude  they  met  all  the  vicissitudes  of  fortune ; the 
ebb  and  flow  of  the  tide  of  war  ; the  discontent  of  the 
factious  ; the  fears  of  the  timid ; the  despondency  of 
the  high-minded;  — never  cast  down  by  repeated 
misfortunes,  nor  too  much  elated  by  momentary  suc- 
cess. When  the  houseless  people  were  scattered  before 
their  invaders ; when  the  army,  unpaid,  unclothed, 
vainly  sought  assistance  from  the  commander,  and  he 
vainly  sought  it  in  the  exhausted  treasury;  when  the 
sword  fell  from  their  fainting  hands,  and  the  blank  ot 
despair  seemed  falling  on  their  hearts  ; still  did  these 
patriots  struggle  on — still  did  they  find  confidence  in 
their  just  cause,  and,  with  their  eyes  upon  the  pole- 
star  of  liberty,  did  they  steady  the  helm  of  the  reeling 
vessel  of  the  infant  state,  ride  out  triumphantly  the 
storm  of  war  and  revolution,  and  gain  the  glorious 
haven  from  which  their  thoughts  had  never  swerved. 

The  annals  of  every  nation  can  supply  us  with  some 
brilliant  characters,  who  stand  superior  to  the  sordid 
passions  which  sway  the  minds  of  ordinary  men  and 
but  too  often  dictate  the  feelings  of  national  commu- 
nities. But  rarely,  if  ever,  has  there  been  an  entire 
assembly  of  men,  uniting  all  the  qualities  of  sages 
and  heroes,  — cautious  in  their  deliberations,  firm  and 
-uited  in  their  measures,  pure  in  their  motives,  and 
ueyond  suspicion  in  their  conduct.  To  the  unbending 
spirit  and  perfect  rectitude  of  the  continental  con- 
gress was  mainly  owing  the  preservation  of  the  Amer- 
ican people,  not  only  from  foreign  conquest,  but  from 
intestine  broils.  To  their  little  senate-room,  amid  all 
the  changes  of  war,  did  the  eyes  of  the  people  ever 
turn  in  hone  and  confidence.  Were  their  little  armies 


PURITY"  OF  THE  CONGRESS. 


289 


defeated;  were  their  heroic  generals  fighting  in  retreat; 
were  their  cities  taken ; were  their  houses  in  flames ; 
was  their  commerce  destroyed ; were  their  fields 
devastated  ; were  their  gold  and  their  credit  gone  ; 
they  still  looked  to  that  high-minded  assembly,  whose 
counsels,  they  were  satisfied,  were  ever  patriotic  and 
wise,  and  whose  energies  were  ever  employed  to  relieve 
the  sufferings  they  could  not  prevent.  It  is  interest- 
ing to  imagine  what  must  have  been  the  earnest 
thoughts  of  this  noble  body  of  men  throughout  that 
trying  contest;  what  their  anxieties;  and,  finally,  what 
the  flood  of  joy  that  must  have  poured  on  their  hearts 
when  the  tidings  reached  them  that  the  last  great 
victory  was  achieved.  The  old  door-keeper  of  the- 
congress,  when  the  news  suddenly  reached  him  of  the 
surrender  of  Cornwallis,  dropped  instantly  dead ! The 
feelings  of  the  veteran,  too  intense  for  his  feeble  age, 
seem  to  image  well  those  of  the  members  of  that 
assembly  upon  which  he  had  been  so  faithful  an 
attendant. 

In  the  history  of  the  American  Revolution,  the  integ- 
rity of  the  congress  and  the  confidence  of  the  people 
in  their  integrity  equally  challenge  admiration.  The 
first  was  so  pure,  that  throughout  that  distracted  period, 
which  might  so  well  have  furnished  temptation  to  the 
selfish  or  the  ambitious,*  we  do  not  find  one  member 

* “ Tell  the  king  of  England,”  said  one  of  them,  when  a heavy 
bribe  was  offered  him  to  desert  the  cause  of  his  country,  “ I am  not  worth 
buying ; but  that  such  as  I am,  he  is  not  rich  enough  to  do  it ! ” And 
another,  while  a prisoner  in  England,  was  threatened  with  death  unless 
he  would  persuade  his  son  to  abandon  the  cause  of  freedom.  “My  son 
is  of  age,”  said  the  heroic  father  of  a heroic  son,  “ and  has  a will  of  his 
own.  I know  him  to  be  a man  of  honor.  H j love*  me  dearly,  and 


290  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

of  that  magnanimous  body  even  suspected  of  pecula- 
tion, or  of  a desire  for  personal  aggrandizement  ; and 
the  latter  was  so  entire,  that,  during  the  worst  days 
of  that  stormy  period,  the  public  suffering  was  never 
charged  to  any  willful  mismanagement  on  the  part  of 
the  government  — not  even  when  its  faith  was  vio- 
lated, by  the  gradual  depreciation  and  final  extinction 
of  a paper  currency,  which  had  been  issued  without 
funds,  and  which  ceased  to  circulate,  with  scarce  the 
shadow  of  a prospect  being  held  out  for  its  future 
redemption.  The  people  saw  the  necessity  of  the 
measure,  and  being  well  convinced  that  the  good  of 
their  country  had  been  promoted,  quietly  submitted  to 
measures  which,  under  other  circumstances,  would 
scarcely  have  been  expiated  by  the  lives  and  fortunes 
of  their  authors. 

That  a government  framed  in  all  the  distraction  of 
revolution  — with  a powerful  enemy  in  the  very  heart 
of  the  country,  the  Indians  on  one  side  as  their  allies, 
and  the  ocean  on  the  other,  possessed  by  their  fleets, — 
that,  at  such  a time,  a government  so  hastily  organ- 
ized, with  armies  untrained,  unfed,  unclothed,  and 
without  a treasury  to  meet  the  demands  that  assailed 
them  on  every  side,  should  have  preserved  the  public 
confidence,  argues  a degree  of  moderation  on  the  part 
of  congress,  and  of  good  sense  and  devoted  feeling 
on  that  of  the  people,  which,  perhaps,  in  the  history  of 
ancient  or  modern  times  was  never  equaled,  and  cer- 
tainly has  never  been  surpassed. 

would  lay  down  his  life  to  save  mine,  hut  I am  sure  that  he  would  not 
sacrifice  his  honor  to  save  my  life,  and  I applaud  him.”  This  prisoner, 
not  long  afterward,  had  the  gratification  of  assisting  in  negotiating  a 
peace  between  Great  Britain  and  the  free  Republic  of  the  United  States 


PATRIOTISM  OF  THE  PEOPLE. 


291 


In  the  history  of  the  dispute  which  involved  the 
liberty  of  the  colonies,  the  congress  was  equally  distin- 
guished for  its  prudence,  and  its  intrepidity.  Like  a 
cautious  general,  they  advanced  slowly,  but  never 
yielding  an  inch  of  the  ground  they  had  once  assumed. 
At  first  called  together  by  the  voice  of  their  fellow-cit- 
izens, without  the  consent,  or  rather  in  very  despite 
of  existing  authorities,  the  legality  of  whose  title  re- 
mained unquestioned,  they  calmly  took  in  review  the  co- 
lonial grievances,  and  petitioned  for  redress  upon  those 
constitutional  grounds,  acknowledged  by  the  distant 
monarchy  which  claimed  their  allegiance.  Without 
assuming  the  power  to  enact  laws,  they  passed  resolu 
tions,  to  the  sacred  observance  of  which,  until  the  re 
dress  of  their  enumerated  grievances  should  be  ob- 
tained, they  bound  themselves  by  the  ties  of  honor, 
and  of  patriotism.  That  these  simple  ties  should 
have  proved  sufficient  to  hold  together  the  people  of 
distant  provinces,  who  had  heretofore  often  been  di- 
vided by  jealousies  and  clashing  interests,  and  to  give 
an  effect  to  the  recommendations  of  private  individu- 
als, as  absolute  as  could  have  followed  upon  the  fiat  of 
an  established ' despot,  affords  a beautiful  evidence  of 
the  readiness  with  which  national  obedience  is  yielded, 
wrhen  the  hearts  of  the  people  are  with  their  rulers. 
These  recommendations  were  sufficient  at  once  to  su- 
persede the  authority  of  existing  law,  and  to  triumph 
over  the  strongest  passions  of  humanity.  From  what- 
ever cause  it  proceeded,  it  is  certain  that  a disposition 
to  do,  to  suffer,  and  to  accommodate,  spread  from 
breast  to  breast,  and  ffom  colony  to  colony,  beyond  the 
expectations  of  human  opinions.  It  seemed  as  though 


£92  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

one  mind  inspired  the  whole.  The  merchants  put  far 
behind  them  the  gains  of  trade,  and  cheerfully  submit- 
ted to  a total  suspension  of  business,  in  obedience  to 
the  recommendations  of  men  claiming  no  legislative 
authority.  The  cultivators  of  the  soil,  with  unanimity 
assented  to  the  determination  that  the  hard-earned  pro- 
duce of  their  farms  should  remain  unshipped,  although, 
in  case  of  a free  exportation,  many  would  have  been 
eager  to  purchase  it  from  them  at  advanced  prices. 
The  sons  and  daughters  of  ease  renounced  imported 
conveniences,  and  voluntarily  engaged  to  eat,  drink, 
and  wear  only  6uch  articles  as  their  country  produced. 
These  sacrifices  were  made,  not  from  the  pressure  of 
present  distress,  but  on  the  generous  principle  of  sym- 
pathy with  an  invaded  sister  colony : and  the  prudent 
policy  of  guarding  against  a precedent  which  might, 
on  a future  day,  operate  against  their  liberties. 

This  season  of  universal  distress  exhibited  a striking 
proof  how  practicable  it  is  for  mankind  to  sacrifice 
ease,  pleasure,  and  interest,  when  the  mind  is  strongly 
excited  by  its  passions.  In  the  midst  of  their  suffer- 
ings, cheerfulness  appeared  in  the  face  of  the  people. 
They  counted  every  thing  cheap  in  comparison  with 
liberty,  and  readily  gave  up  whatever  tended  to  en- 
danger it.  A noble  strain  of  generosity  and  mutual 
support  was  generally  excited.  The  animation  of  the 
times  raised  the  actors  in  these  scenes  above  them- 
selves, and  incited  them  to  deeds  of  self-denial,  which 
the  interested  prudence  of  calm  reason  can  scarcely 
credit. 

But,  though  empowered  by  their  fellow  citizens  to 
think  and  act  for  them,  at  a time,  too,  when  the  public 


DECLARATION  OF  INDEPENDENCE. 


293 


feeling  was  wrought  to  the  highest  pitch  of  enthusi- 
asm, the  delegates  in  congress  never  exceeded  the  ne- 
cessity of  the  occasion.  They  kept  in  view  the  interest 
and  honor  of  the  community,  but  held  their  passions 
in  check.  So  long  as  the  most  distant  prospect  re- 
mained to  them  of  obtaining  the  acknowledgment  of 
their  country’s  rights,  they  preserved  the  language  and 
character  of  British  subjects.  When  all  hope  of  re- 
conciliation had  expired,  the  Declaration  of  Independ- 
ence followed.  The  wishes  of  the  people  had  preceded 
the  act  of  their  representatives,  and  the  style  of  that 
act  yet  affixed  a new  seal  of  confirmation  to  their 
wishes.  The  simple  exposition  of  moral  and  political 
truths  with  which  it  opens,  elevated  still  higher  the 
already  sublime  character  of  the  public  sentiment ; 
the  energetic  enumeration  of  the  national  wrongs,  op- 
posed as  in  contrast  to  these  great  laws  of  nature,  kin- 
dled anew  the  national  indignation  ; the  solemn  appeal 
to  the  Creator,  and  the  sacred  pledge  of  life,  fortune 
and  honor,  with  which  it  closes,  roused  all  the  devotion 
of  human  hearts  and  manly  minds  — and,  assuredly, 
never  was  it  aroused  in  a better  or  nobler  cause.  It 
was  not  the  cause  of  the  Americans  only  ; it  was  the 
cause  of  the  very  people  whose  injustice  they  opposed  ; 
it  was  the  cause  of  every  people  on  earth.  Well  might 
that  high-minded  patriot  and  statesman,  the  Earl  of 
Chatham,  exclaim  in  the  British  parliament,  in  the 
face  of  the  British  minister,  “I  rejoice  that  America 
has  resisted!”  Well  might  he  observe,  that  “three 
millions  of  fellow-creatures,  so  lost  to  every  sense  of 
virtue  as  tamely  to  give  up  their  liberties,  would  be  fit 
instruments  to  make  slaves  of  the  rest.”  Had  America 


294  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

basely  submitted  to  the  encroachments  of  ministerial 
parliaments,  soon  would  that  same  parliament  have 
tried  encroachments  upon  the  liberties  of  England  ; or 
had  the  infant  America  been  overwhelmed  by  the  ar- 
mies poured  upon  her  shores,  with  the  buried  liberties 
of  the  people,  her  victors  would  have  buried  forever 
their  own  national  virtue,  and  honor,  and  character. 
Then,  indeed,  upon  England’s  faded  brow  would  have 
been  stamped  the  moral,  that 

“Nations,  like  men,  who  others’  rights  invade, 

Shall  doubly  rue  the  havoc  they  have  made  ; 

And,  in  a brother’s  liberty  o’erthrown, 

Shall  weep  to  find  that  they  have  wrecked  their  own.” 

Hostilities  had  been  continued  between  the  parent 
country  and  the  colonies  for  upward  of  a year  before 
the  Declaration  of  Independence  was  promulgated. 
The  affair  of  Lexington  had,  of  course,  been  the  signal 
for  war,  throughout  the  colonies.  The  forts,  magazines, 
and  arsenals  were  everywhere  seized.  Troops  were 
raised,  and  money  for  their  support ; and  it  was  not 
many  weeks  before  an  army  of  thirty  thousand  men 
appeared  in  the  environs  of  Boston,  under  the  com- 
mand of  General  Putnam,  a veteran  of  the  French  war, 
in  whom  the  people  had  great  confidence.  Allen  had 
succeeded  in  the  capture  of  Ticonderoga  and  Crown 
Point.  The  next  act  in  the  grand  drama  then  unfolding 
was  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill.  Toward  the  close  of  May, 
1TT5,  reinforcements  of  British  troops  had  arrived  at 
Boston,  with  Generals  Howe,  Burgoyne  and  Clinton, 
all  of  whom  were  officers  of  reputation.  The  provin- 
cial congress  of  Massachusetts  had,  early  in  that  month, 
renounced  General  Gage,  as  governor  of  the  colony, 


BATTLE  OF  BUNKER  HILL. 


295 


declared  him  an  enemy  of  the  country,  and  forbidden 
obedience  to  his  orders.  On  the  other  hand,  Gage  had 
issued  his  proclamation,  promising  a gracious  pardon 
to  all  who  would  lay  down  their  arms  and  return  to 
the  duties  of  peaceable  subjects,  excepting  only  Samuel 
Adams  and  John  Hancock,  whose  offenses  were  de- 
clared of  “ too  flagitious  a nature  to  admit  of  any 
other  consideration  than  that  of  condign  punishment.” 
By  the  same  instrument,  Massachusetts  was  declared  to 
be  under  martial  law.  General  Gage  was  also  prepar- 
ing, in  other  respects,  for  more  energetic  action  ;•  but 
every  measure  he  took,  and  every  moment  that  passed, 
served  only  to  unite  and  embolden  the  patriots,  and 
increase  the  audacity  with  which  they  now,  by  their 
conduct  as  well  as  by  their  words,  contemned  the  royal 
authority.  The  provincial  troops  had  assembled  in 
force  around  Boston,  and  were  throwing  up  defenses, 
when  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill  at  once  and  forever 
severed  the  tie  that  bound  the  colonies  to  Great  Britain. 
The  fighting  on  this  occasion  was  of  such  a determined 
character,  as  to  show  the  enemy  that  it  was  no  pastime 
upon  which  they  had  entered.  One  of  the  British 
officers,  in  writing  home  to  a friend,  declared  that 
“ the  rebels  fought  more  like  devils  than  men.”  The 
loss  of  the  British  in  killed  and  wounded  was  upward 
of  a thousand,  while  that  of  the  provincials  fell  short 
of  half  that  number.  The  great  calamity  of  the  day 
was  the  fall  of  the  brave  and  accomplished  Warren, 
who  was  shot  through  the  head  early  in  the  action. 

The  inhabitants  of  the  New-Hampshire  Grants,  with 
but  few  exceptions,  partook  largely  of  the  feelings  which 
Pervaded  the  country  during  the  progress  of  the  events 


13* 


296  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

which  led  to  the  Revolution.  Having  been  successfully 
engaged  in  subduing  a forest,  and  in  laying  a 
foundation  for  the  happiness  of  themselves  and  fam- 
ilies, &nd  in  defending  their  homes  against  the  en- 
croachments of  a neighboring  government,  they  had 
acquired  a high  sense  of  their  personal  rights,  and  a 
fixed  determination  to  maintain  them.  They  had  be- 
come inured  to  privation  and  hardship,  and  were 
familiar  with  enterprise  and  adventure.  Although 
their  isolated  position  had  shielded  them  from  the  ac- 
tual effects  of  the  oppressive  measures  of  the  British 
ministry,  and  they  were  engaged  in  the  protection  of 
their  property  from  determined  aggression,  they  sym- 
pathized cordially  with  the  sufferings  of  their  brethren 
along  the  Atlantic  coast,  and  at  once  concurred  in  the 
earliest  measures  for  securing  a redress  of  their  griev- 
ances. The  first  bloodshed  at  Lexington,  was  the 
signal  for  them  to  act,  and  under  their  heroic  leaders 
they  achieved  the  first  important  conquest  of  the  Revo- 
lution. The  battle  of  Lexington  was  a defensive  one 
on  the  part  of  the  colonies  — the  taking  of  Ticonde- 
roga  was  a carefully  planned,  aggressive  measure.  It 
was  truly  the  commencement  of  the  war  on  the  part  of 
the  colonies.  And  the  military  stores  there  acquired 
were  taken  to  Boston  by  the  Green-Mountain  Boys, 
many  of  whom  participated  in  the  battle  of  Bunker 
Hill. 

The  capture  of  Ticonderoga  prepared  the  way  for  the 
invasion  of  Canada,  which  closed  the  first  campaign. 
This  measure  had  been  earnestly  recommended  to 
congress  by  Ethan  Allen  and  Seth  Warner.  The 
British  ministry  had  sent,  as  governor  of  this  province, 


SIR  GUY  CARLETON. 


297 


Sir  Guy  Carleton,  a man  of  resolute  character,  vast 
genius,  and  a brilliant  reputation  for  military  achieve- 
ments. He  was  invested  with  extraordinary  powers. 
It  was  known  that  he  exerted  all  his  efforts  to  arouse 
the  Canadians  and  Indians,  and  stimulate  them  to 
arms  against  the  colonies.  Though,  at  the  commence- 
ment, he  had  found  great  repugnance  among  the  former, 
it  was  to  be  feared  that,  by  employing  address  and  au- 
thority, he  might  succeed,  at  length,  in  drawing  them 
to  his  standard.  The  character  of  the  people  of  Can- 
ada was  not  unknown  : they  were  ever  French  at 
heart,  and  were  considered  fickle.  It  was  known,  also, 
that  they  cherished  a sullen  discontent  on  account  of 
the  “ Quebec  act,”  which,  though  favorable  to  their 
religion,  was  unsatisfactory  in  its  provisions  regarding 
their  civil  rights.  It  was  therefore  essential  to  take 
advantage  of  their  discontent,  before  Carleton  should 
win  their  favor.  It  was  hoped  that  when  the  Amer- 
icans should  have  penetrated  into  Canada,  the  inhab- 
itants would  not  hesitate  to  espouse  their  caupe,  excited 
on  the  one  hand  by  their  hatred  to  their  rulers,  and 
reassured  on  the  other  by  the  moderation  which  the 
colonists  had  generally  manifested  in  matters  touching 
religion.  The  province  of  Canada  was  unsupplied 
with  troops  of  the  regular  army,  these  having  been 
called  to  Boston.  In  addition  to  these  considerations, 
congress  had  been  informed  that  in  the  following 
spring,  the  government  was  to  make  a grand  effort  in 
Canada  ; that  numerous  forces,  arms,  and  munitions 
would  be  poured  into  it,  in  order  to  attack  the  colo- 
nies by  way  of  Lake  Champlain,  an  operation  which, 
if  not  seasonably  prevented,  might  lead  to  fatal 


298  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

consequences.  The  colonists,  assailed  at  the  same  time 
in  front  and  rear,  could  not  have  expected  to  resist. 

Lake  Champlain  was  in  possession  of  the  Ameri- 
cans, which  opened  to  them  the  most  eligible  route  to 
Canada.  A more  propitious  occasion  could  never  oc- 
cur. The  British  troops,  shut  up  in  Boston,  and  occu- 
pied with  their  own  defense,  were  not  in  a condition  to 
carry  succors  into  a part  so  remote  from  the  position 
they  then  occupied.  But  it  was  to  be  feared  that 
longer  delays  would  afford  time  for  the  British  ministry 
to  make  the  necessary  preparations  to  overpower  the 
colonies  by  a single  effort,  and  reduce  them  to  their 
former  dependence.  Prudent  men,  however,  could  not 
shut  their  eyes  upon  the  numerous  difficulties  it  pre- 
sented. But  a resolution  having  been  carried  in  favor 
of  the  expedition,  congress  was  not  tardy  in  taking  all 
the  measures  proper  to  secure  its  success.  Three  thou- 
sand soldiers,  partly  of  New  England,  and  partly 
of  New  York,  were  selected  for  the  enterprise.  One 
regiment,  under  the  command  of  Seth  Warner,  who 
had  been  elected  their  colonel,  was  composed  of 
Green-Mountain  Boys.  It  was  determined  to  in- 
vade Canada  by  two  routes — one  portion  of  the  army 
being  destined  to  proceed  by  the  way  of  Lake  Cham- 
plain, against  Forts  Chambly  and  St.  John,  near  the 
mouth  of  the  lake,  and  then,  after  reducing  Montreal, 
to  march  against  Quebec  : the  other  branch  of  the 
army  was  to  be  detached  from  the  environs  of  Bobton, 
and,  going  by  the  way  of  the  Kennebec  river,  move 
directly  toward  Quebec,  with  design  of  reaching  that 
fortress  cotemporaneously  with  the  other.  Major-gen- 
eral Schuyler  was  appointed  commander-in-chief  of  the 


GENERAL  MONTGOMERY. 


299 


expedition,  while  Brigadier-general  Montgomery*  was 
assigned  to  the  command  of  the  first  division  of  the 
army,  and  Colonel  Benedict  Arnold  to  the  other. 

* Richard  Montgomery  was  born  in  the  north  of  Ireland,  December  2d, 
1736.  Little  is  known  of  his  early  life.  When  quite  young,  he  was 
placed  in  Dublin  college,  where  he  obtained  a good  education.  At  the 
age  of  twenty  he  joined  the  army.  He  was  sent  with  the  army  against 
Louisbourg,  afterward  served  under  Amherst,  at  Ticonderoga,  and  was 
with  Wolfe  at  the  siege  of  Quebec.  He  thus  became  specially  qualified, 
in  the  service  of  the  King  of  England,  to  lead  the  continental  troops 
against  that  monarch.  At  the  close  of  the  French  war,  Montgomery  was 
permitted  to  return  to  Europe,  where  he  remained  until  1772.  Toward 
the  close  of  that  year,  he  resigned  the  service,  sailed  for  America,  and 
arrived  in  New  York  in  the  following  January.  He  purchased  a farm 
in  the  neighborhood  of  that  city,  but  soon  afterward  removed  to  Dutchess 
county,  where  for  a long  time  he  devoted  himself  to  the  pursuit  of  agri- 
culture. W.hile  at  the  former  place,  he  married  the  eldest  daughter  of  R. 
R.  Livingston,  one  of  the  judges  of  the  supreme  court  of  the  province, 
and  subsequently  member  df  the  continental  congress.  As  the  dispute 
between  England  and  her  colonies  had  now  become  serious,  it  was  im- 
possible for  an  individual  circumstanced  like  Montgomery  to  remain  neu- 
tral. Accordingly,  he  took  a decided  part  for  the  cause  of  freedom,  aud 
in  April,  1775,  h<*  was  elected  to  represent  Dutchess  county  in  the  dele- 
gation to  the  first  New- York  provincial  convention.  The  labors  of  the 
convention  seem  to  have  been  rather  tedious  and  unsatisfactory,  and 
finally  resulted  in  little  good  to  the  cause  to  espouse  which  they  had  con- 
vened. Soon  after  the  meeting  of  this  body,  Montgomery  received  a 
more  highly  important  office  than  any  that  had  hitherto  fallen  to  his  lot, 
and  one,  too,  of  which  he  had  little  expectation.  In  June,  the  conti- 
nental congress  appointed  four  major,  and  eight  brigadier  generals, 
naming,  among  the  latter,  Montgomery.  His  surprise  at  the  news  of  this 
flattering  distinction  was  equaled  by  his  modest  though  heartfelt  ac- 
knowledgment of  it ; and,  with  the  acceptance  of  that  commission,  com- 
menced his  brief  but  glorious  career  in  the  cause  of  freedom.  In  a 
letter  to  a friend  he  says : “ The  Congress  having  done  me  the  honor  of 
electing  me  a brigadier-general  in  their  service,  is  au  event  which  must 
put  an  end  for  a while,  perhaps  forever,  to  the  quiet  scheme  of  life  I 
had  prescribed  for  myself ; for,  though  entirely  unexpected  and  undesired 


300  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

General  Montgomery  repaired  to  Ticonderoga  on 
the  17th  of  August.  He  here  learned  that  Sir  Guy 
Carleton,  the  military  governor  of  Canada,  was  pre- 
paring a naval  force  destined  to  the  defense  of  Lake 
Champlain.  As  immediate  action  was  now  of  vital 
importance,  Montgomery  determined  to  take  posses- 
sion of  the  Isle  Aux  Noix  in  the  lake,  and  wrote  to 
General  Schuyler,  signifying  his  intention  to  that  effect, 
and  entreating  his  immediate  presence.  Without 
awaiting  the  arrival  of  this  commander,  he  selected 
about  one  thousand  men,  and  two  pieces  of  cannon, 
and  embarked  on  the  lake,  August  26th.  The  weather 
was  so  boisterous  that  he  was  not  able  to  reach  the 
island  before  the  5th  of  September,  on  which  day  he 
was  joined  by  Major-general  Schuyler,  who  determined 
upon  a nearer  approach  to  the  enemy,  both  with  a 
view  of  reconnoitering  their  position,  and  of  enlisting 
the  esteem  and  confidence  of  the  population.  This 
maneuver  was  signally  successful,  the  army  landing 
within  about  a mile  and  a half  of  St.  John’s  without 
encountering  opposition.  The  troops  were  soon  formed 
and  marched  toward  the  fort.  In  this  movement, 
while  fording  a creek,  they  met  with  a party  of  In- 
dians, who  fired  upon  their  left,  and  threw  it  into  dis- 
order. But  Montgomery  hastened  forward  with  the 

by  me,  the  will  of  an  oppressed  people,  compelled  to  choose  between 
liberty  and  slavery,  must  be  obeyed.”  Under  these  noble  and  self  sac- 
rificing views  and  feelings,  Montgomery  accepted  the  commission  ten- 
dered to  him  ; and  from  that  hour  to  the  moment  of  his  death,  the  whole 
force  of  his  mind  and  body  was  devoted  to  the  honor  and  interest  of  hi9 
adopted  country.  The  glory  and  fate  of  Wolfe,  his  former  commander, 
wore  present  to  his  thoughts ; and  to  his  young  wife  his  parting  words 
wore,  “ You  shall  never  blush  for  your  Montgomery.” 


CAPTAIN  REMEMBER  BAKER. 


301 


other  troops,  and  speedily  repulsed  the  assailants  with 
6ome  loss. 

In  this  enterprise,  Captain  Remember  Baker  lost  his 
life.  He  had  been  sent  forward  by  Montgomery  to 
reconnoiter  the  enemy’s  position.  When  within  a few 
miles  of  St.  John’s,  he  secreted  his  boat,  with  the  inten- 
tion of  marching  through  the  woods.  He  had  scarcely 
left  the  boat  when  a party  of  Indians  took  possession 
of  it.  He  called  to  them  to  return  it,  and  on  their 
refusal  to  do  so,  attempted  to  fire  at  them,  but  as  he 
drew  up  his  gun,  he  received  a shot  through  the  head. 
His  companions  then  fled,  and  made  their  way  back 
to  the  army  with  the  sad  intelligence.  Captain  Baker 
fell  at  the  early  age  of  thirty-five.  His  life  had  been 
one  of  peculiar  usefulness.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he 
had  served  in  an  expedition  against  Canada.  He  be- 
came a resident  of  the  Hew-Hampshire  Grants  in  IT 64, 
where  he  at  once  became  one  of  the  most  influential 
and  useful  of  the  leaders  of  the  Green-Mountain  Boys. 
As  an  officer  and  soldier  he  was  cool  and  temperate  in 
council,  but  resolute  and  determined  in  the  execution 
of  his  plans.  As  a neighbor  he  was  distinguished  for 
his  kindness,  and  his  memory  was  held  dear  by  many 
families  whose  distresses  he  had  generously  relieved. 

At  Isle  Aux  Hoix  Schuyler’s  increasing  ill  health  ren- 
dered him  unfit  for  service,  and  he  retired  to  Ticon- 
deroga,  leaving  the  command  of  the  expedition  with 
General  Montgomery.  In  his  report  to  congress  ne 
speaks  thus  of  the  latter  officer  : “ I cannot  estimate 
the  obligations  I lie  under  to  General  Montgomery  for 
the  many  important  services  he  has  done  and  daily 
does,  and  in  which  he  has  had  little  assistance  from 


302  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN -MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

me,  as  I have  not  enjoyed  a moment’s  health  since  I 
left  Fort  George,  and  am  now  so  low  as  not  to  be  able 
to  hold  the  pen.  Should  we  not  be  able  to  do  any  thing 
decisively  in  Canada,  I shall  judge  it  best  to  move  from 
this  place,  which  is  a very  wet  and  unhealthy  part  of 
the  country ; unless  I receive  your  orders  to  the 
contrary.  ” 

Colonel  Allen,  the  hero  of  Ticonderoga,  had  a com- 
mand under  Montgomery.  Having  been  dispatched, 
with  Major  Brown,  into  the  interior  of  Canada,  he  was, 
on  his  return,  persuaded  by  the  latter  to  undertake  the 
rash  project  of  attacking  Montreal.  He  divided  his 
detachment,  consisting  of  less  than  three  hundred  men, 
into  two  parties,  intending  to  assail  the  city  at  opposite 
points.  Major  Brown  was  prevented  from  executing 
his  part  of  the  enterprise.  Colonel  Allen  and  his 
small  party,  opposed  by  the  whole  force  of  the  enemy 
under  Governor  Carleton,  fought  with  desperate  valor. 
Many  were  killed ; the  survivors,  overpowered  by 
numbers,  were  compelled  to  surrender.  The  governor, 
viewing  Allen,  not  as  the  intrepid  soldier,  but  as  a fac- 
tious rebel,  loaded  him  with  irons  and  sent  him  to 
England  for  trial,  Carleton  afterward  admitted  that 
if  Brown  had  not  failed  to  join  Allen,  Montreal  would 
have  fallen  into  their  hands. 

Montgomery  remained  at  Isle  Aux  Hoix  only  long 
enough  to  receive  a reinforcement  of  men  and  a few 
pieces  of  artillery.  He  then  re-embarked,  again  landed 
at  St.  John’s,  and  condmenced  operations  for  its  invest- 
ment. On  the  18th  of  September,  he  marched  with  a 
party  of  five  hundred  men  to  the  north  of  the  fort, 
where  he  met  a considerable  portion  of  the  garrison 


DISSATISFACTION  AMONG  THE  TROOPS. 


303 


returning  from  the  repulse  of  the  party  under  Ethan 
Allen.  A skirmish  ensued,  which  in  a few  minutes 
terminated  in  the  repulse  of  the  enemy,  who  fled  in 
disorder.  But  for  a timidity  among  the  Americans, 
the  whole  party  might  have  been  captured.  In  speak- 
ing of  his  men,  General  Montgomery  says,  “As  soon 
as  we  saw  the  enemy,  the  old  story  of  treachery  spread 
among  the  men ; and  the  cry  was,  we  are  trepanned 
and  drawn  under  the  guns  of  the  fort.  The  woodsmen 
were  less  expert  in  forming  than  I had  expected,  and 
too  many  of  them  hung  back.  Had  we  kept  more 
silence,  we  should  have  taken  a field -piece  or  two.  ” 
Montgomery  now  determined  to  push  the  siege  of  St. 
John’s  with  all  possible  vigor.  In  order  to  cut  off  sup- 
plies, he  established  a camp  at  the  junction  of  the  two 
roads  leading  to  Chambly  and  Montreal,  and  defended 
it  with  a ditch,  and  a garrison  of  three  hundred  men. 
But  he  was  surrounded  with  difficulties.  His  artil- 
lery was  so  light  as  to  make  little  impression  upon  the 
walls,  and  the  artillerists  were  raw  and  unskillful. 
Besides,  his  ammunition  was  almost  exhausted,  and 
the  engineer  was  as  ignorant  of  duty  as  were  the  artil- 
lerists. To  all  these  was  added  another  difficulty  far 
greater  than  the  rest, — his  men,  through  constant  ex- 
posure to  a damp  soil  and  unhealthy  climate,  and  un- 
used to  the  rules  of  war,  had  become  insubordinate, 
and  even  mutinous  ; and  the  circumstances  in  which 
the  commander  was  placed,  effectually  prevented  him 
from  enforcing  discipline.  This  feeling  was  openly 
exhibited  in  an  attempt  of  the  general  to  remove  the 
seat  of  his  active  operations  to  the  north  side  of  the 
town;  and  so  palp ible  were  its  demonstrations,  that  he 


804  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

was  forced  to  compromise  with  professional  dignity, 
and  submit  his  opinion  to  that  of  a board  of  officers. 
They  refused  to  accede  to  his  plan,  and  it  was  for  a 
time  abandoned.  Subsequently,  however,  their  consent 
was  obtained,  and  a position  taken  to  the  north-west 
of  the  fort. 

Meanwhile  an  event  took  place,  as  fortunate  as  it 
was  unexpected,  the  success  of  which,  decided  the  fate 
of  the  garrison.  A gentleman  from  New  York  named 
James  Livingston,  had  resided  for  a considerable  time 
in  Canada,  and  by  a proper  course  of  conduct  had 
won  the  esteem  of  a large  number  of  the  inhabitants 
As  he  was  known  to  be  favorable  to  the  cause  of  liberty, 
Montgomery  determined  to  employ  his  popularity  in 
service  to  himself.  Accordingly,  at  the  instigation  of 
the  general,  he  organized  a number  of  the  inhabitants 
into  an  armed  corps,  promising  the  protection  of  con- 
gress to  all  their  movements.  In  company  with  Major 
Brown,  he  speedily  made  himself  master  of  Fort 
Chambly,  including  all  the  garrison,  one  hundred  and 
twenty-six  barrels  of  gunpowder,  and  a large  amount 
of  military  and  other  stores. 

Colonel  Seth  Warner  and  his  regiment  were  with 
Montgomery  at  the  siege  of  St.  John’s,  although  it  is 
evident  that  both  Warren  and  the  officers  of  his  reg- 
iment were  without  "commissions,  for  we  find  by  Mont- 
gomery’s orderly  book,  that  on  the  16th  of  September 
he  issued  an  order  appointing  Seth  Warner  colonel  of 
a regiment  of  Green-Mountain  Bangers,  requiring  that 
he  should  be  obeyed  as  such.  Probably  the  provincial 
congress  of  New  York  withheld  the  commissions  on 
the  same  grounds  on  which,  in  the  following  year,  th/*v 


colonel  warner’s  regiment.  305 

urged  the  continental  congress  to  recall  the  commissions 
which  they  had  given  to  Warner,  and  the  officers  of  his 
regiment.  But  the  regiment  fought  as  bravely,  and 
performed  as  important  services,  as  any  other  regiment 
during  the  campaign,  as  will  appear  by  the  following 
brief  account  of  it.  Montgomery,  having  obtained  a 
supply  of  ammunition  and  military  stores,  by  the  cap- 
ture of  Chambly,  made  his  advances  upon  the  fort  at 
St.  J ohn’s,  with  increased  vigor.  The  garrison  consisted 
of  six  or  seven  hundred  men,  who,  in  hopes  of  being 
soon  relieved  by  General  Carleton,  made  a resolute 
defense.  Carleton  exerted  himself  for  this  purpose, 
but  such  was.  the  disaffection  of  the  Canadians  to  the 
British  cause,  that  he  could  not  muster  more  than  one 
thousand  men,  including  the  regulars,  militia  of  Mon- 
treal, Canadians  and  Indians.  With  this  force  he 
proposed  to  cross  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  join  Colonel 
McLean,  who  had  collected  a few  hundred  Scotch  em- 
igrants, and  taken  post  at  the  mouth  of  the  Bichelieu, 
hoping,  with  their  united  forces,  to  be  able  to  raise  the 
siege  of  St.  John’s,  and  relieve  the  garrison.  In  pur- 
suance of  this  design,  Carleton  embarked  his  troops  at 
Montreal,  with  the  view  of  crossing  the  St.  Lawrence, 
and  landing  at  Longueil.  Their  embarkation  was  dis- 
covered by  Colonel  Warner  from  the  opposite  shore, 
who,  with  about  three  hundred  Green-Mountain  Boys, 
watched  their  motions,  and  prepared  for  their  approach. 
Just  before  they  reached  the  south  shore,  Warner 
opened  upon  them  a well-directed  fire  of  musketry  and 
grape-shot,  from  a four-pounder,  by  which  unexpected 
assault,  the  enemy  were  thrown  into  the  utmost  confu- 
sion, and  retreated  with  precipitation  and  disorder. 


SQ6  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

When  the  news  of  Carleton’s  defeat  reached  McLeau, 
he  abandoned  his  position  at  the  month  of  the  Riche- 
lieu, and  hastened  to  Quebec.  By  these  events, ‘the 
garrison  at  St.  John’s  was  left  without  the  hope  of  relief, 
and  Major  Preston,  the  commander,  was  consequently 
obliged  to  surrender.  The  garrison  laid  down  their 
arms  on  the  3d  of  November,  and  became  prisoners  of 
war,  to  the  number  of  five  hundred  regulars,  and  more 
than  one  hundred  Canadian  volunteers.  In  the  fort 
were  found  a number  of  cannon  and  a large  quantity 
of  military  stores.  Colonel  Warner  having  repulsed 
General  Carleton,  and  caused  McLean  to  retire  to 
Quebec,  the  Americans  proceeded  to  erect  a battery  at 
the  mouth  of  the  Richelieu,  to  command  the  passage 
of  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  blockade  General  Carleton  in 
Montreal.  In  this  situation  of  things,  Montgomery  ar- 
rived from  St.  John’s,  and  took  possession  of  Montreal 
without  opposition,  General  Carleton  having  abandoned 
it  to  its  fate,  and  escaped  down  the  river  in  the  night, 
in  a small  canoe  with  muffled  oars.  A large  number 
of  armed  vessels,  loaded  with  provisions  and  military 
stores,  and  General  Prescott,  with  one  hundred  officers 
and  privates,  also  attempted  to  pass  down  the  river, 
but  they  were  all  captured  at  the  mouth  of  the  Riche- 
lieu, without  the  loss  of  a man.  Warner’s  regiment 
having  served  as  volunteers,  and  the  men  being  too 
miserably  clothed  to  endure  a winter  campaign  in  that 
severe  climate,  on  the  20th  of  November  Montgomery 
discharged  them,  with  peculiar  marks  of  respect,  and 
his  thanks  for  their  meritorious  services. 

While  Montgomery  was  engaged  in  the  reduction 
of  Chambly,  St.  John’s,  and  Montreal,  the  army 


ARNOLD  BEFORE  QUEBEC. 


307 


d stined  to  meet  him  before  Quebec  was  passing  through 
the  dreary  wilderness  lying  between  the  province  of 
Maine  and  the  the  St.  Lawrence.  This  extraordinary 
and  most  arduous  enterprise  had  been  committed  to 
Colonel  Arnold,  who,  with  one  thousand  one  hundred 
men,  consisting  of  New-England  infantry,  some  vol 
unteers,  a company  of  artillery,  and  three  companies 
of  riflemen,  commenced  his  march  on  the  13th  Sep 
tember.  It  is  almost  impossible  to  conceive  the  labor, 
hardships,  and  difficulties  which  this  detachment 
had  to  encounter  in  their  progress  up  the  rapid  stream 
of  the  Kennebec,  frequently  interrupted  by  falls,  where 
they  were  obliged  to  land  and  carry  the  boats  upon 
their  shoulders,  until  they  surmounted  them,  through  a 
country  wholly  uninhabited,  with  a scanty  supply  of 
provisions,  the  season  cold  and'  rainy,  and  the  men 
daily  dropping  down  with  fatigue,  sickness  and  hunger. 
Arnold  was  indefatigable  in  his  endeavors  to  alleviate 
the  distress  of  his  men,  but  to  procure  provisions  for 
them  was  out  of  his  power.  They  were  at  one  time 
reduced  to  so  great  an  extremity  of  hunger,  that  the 
dogs  belonging  to  the  army  were  killed  and  eaten,  and 
many  of  the'  soldiers  devoured  their  leather  cartouch- 
boxes ! Arnold  and  his  party  at  length  arrived  at 
Point  Levi,  opposite  the  town  of  Quebec ; but  in  con- 
sequence of  information  the  British  had  received,  by 
the  treachery  of  the  Indian  to  whom  Arnold  intrusted 
a letter  to  General  Schuyler,  the  boats  which  he  ex 
peeted  to  find  there  to  transport  his  troops  across  the 
river  had  been  removed,  and  the  enemy  were  no  longer 
in  a state  to  be  surprised.  Arnold,  however,  was  not 
to  be  deterred  from  attempting  something  against  the 


308  ltTIIAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

i 

town  — he  calculated  strongly  upon  the  defection  of 
the  inhabitants  ; and  having  supplied  himself  with 
canoes,  he  crossed  the  river  in  the  night,  and  gained 
possession  of  the  heights  of  Abraham.  Here,  though 
he  had  no  artillery,  and  scarcely  half  the  number  of 
men  that  composed  the  garrison  of  the  town,  he  made 
a bold  experiment  to  try  the  loyalty  of  the  enemy’s 
troops,  by  sending  a flag  to  summon  them  to  surren- 
der. But  no  message  would  be  admitted,  and  Arnold 
found  himself  compelled  to  retire  to  more  comfortable 
quarters,  where  he  awaited  the  arrival  of  General 
Montgomery. 

General  Carleton,  who,  it  has  already  been  stated,  ar- 
rived at  Quebec,  had  taken  the  best  measures  for  its 
defense,  and  was  prepared  to  receive  him.  In  a few 
days,  the  American  general  opened  a six-gun  battery 
within  about  seven  hundred  yards  of  the  walls  ; but 
his  artillery  was  too  light  to  make  a breach,  and  he 
could  do  nothing  more  than  to  amuse  the  enemy,  and 
conceal  his  real  purpose.  After  continuing  the  siege 
nearly  a month,  he  resolved  on  a desperate  attempt  to 
carry  the  place  by  escalade.  To  distract  the  garrison, 
two  feigned  attacks  were  made  on  the  upper  town  by 
two  divisions  of  the  army  under  Majors  Brown  and 
Livingston,  while  two  real  attacks  on  opposite  sides  of 
the  lower  town  were  made  by  two  other  divisions  under 
Montgomery  and  Arnold.  Early  in  the  morning  of 
the  last  day  in  the  year,  the  signal  was  given,  and  the 
several  divisions  moved  to  the  assault  in  the  midst  of 
a heavy  fall  of  snow,  which  covered  the  assailants 
from  the  sight  of  the  enemy.  Montgomery,  at  the 
head  of  the  Hew-York  troops,  advanced  along  the  St. 


DEATH  OP  MONTGOMERY. 


309 


Lawrence,  by  Annce  de  Mere,  under  Cape  Diamond. 
The  first  barrier  to  be  surmounted  on  that  side  was  de- 
fended by  a battery,  in  which  were  mounted  a few 
pieces  of  artillery,  in  front  of  which  were  a block-house 
and  picket.  The  guard  at  the  block-house,  after  giving 
a random  fire,  threw  away  their  arms  and  fled  to  the 
barrier,  and  for  a time  the  battery  itself  was  deserted. 
Enormous  piles  of  ice  impeded  the  progress  of  the 
Americans,  who,  pressing  forward  in  a narrow  defile, 
reached  at  length  the  block-house  and  picket.  Mont- 
gomery, who  was  in  front,  assisted  in  cutting  down  or 
palling  up  the  pickets,  and  advanced  boldly  and  rap- 
idly at  the  head  of  about  two  hundred  men,  to  force 
the  barrier.  At  this  time  one  or  two  persons  had  ven- 
tured to  return  to  the  battery,  and,  seizing  a slow 
match,  discharged  one  of  the  guns.  Casual  as  this  fire 
appeared,  it  was  fatal  to  General  Montgomery  and  to 
two  valuable  young  officers  near  his  person,  who,  to- 
gether with  his  orderly  sergeant  and  a private,  were 
killed  on  the  spot.  Colonel  Campbell,  on  whom  the 
command  devolved,  precipitately  retired  with  the  re- 
mainder of  the  division.  Thus  fell  one  of  the  bravest 
and  most  accomplished  generals  that  ever  led  an  army 
to  the  field.  But  he  was  not  more  illustrious  for  his 
skill  and  courage  as  an  officer,  than  he  was  estimable 
for  his  private  virtues.  All  enmity  to  him,  on  the  part 
of  the  British,  ceased  with  his  life,  and  respect  for  his 
private  character  prevailed  over  all  other  considera- 
tions. When  the  corpse  of  Montgomery  was  shown  to 
Carleton,  the  heart  of  that  noble  officer  melted.  They 
had  served  in  the  same  regiment  under  Wolfe,  and  the 
most  friendly  relation  existed  between  them,  throughout 


310  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  OREEN -MOUNT AIN  HEROES. 

the  whole  French  war.  The  Lieutenant-governor 
of  Quebec,  Mr.  Cramche,  ordered  him  a coffin,  and 
friends  and  enemies  united  in  expressions  of  sorrow,  as 
his  remains  were  conducted  to  their  final  resting-place. 

At  his  death,  General  Montgomery  was  in  the  first 
month  of  his  thirty-ninth  year.  He  was  a man  of 
great  military  talents,  whose  measures  were  taken 
with  judgment  and  executed  with  vigor.  He  shared 
all  the  hardships  of  his  troops,  and  though  they  had 
been  unused  to  discipline,  and  many  of  them  were 
jealous  of  their  commander,  he  prevented  their  com- 
plaints by  timely  measures,  and  inspired  them  with 
his  own  enthusiasm.  His  industry  could  not  be  wea- 
ried, his  vigilance  imposed  upon,  nor  his  courage  intim- 
idated. Above  the  pride  of  opinion,  when  a measure 
was  adopted  by  the  majority,  he  gave  it  his  full  sup- 
port, even  though  contrary  to  his  own  judgment. 

Few  men  have  ever  fallen  in  battle  so  much  regret- 
ted on  both  sides  as  General  Montgomery.  His  many 
amiable  qualities  had  procured  him  an  uncommon 
share  of  private  affection,  and  his  great  abilities  an 
equal  proportion  of  public  esteem.  Being  a sincere 
lover  of  liberty,  he  had  engaged  in  the  American  cause 
from  principle,  and  quitted  the  enjoyment  of  an  easy 
fortune,  and  the  highest  domestic  felicity,  to  take  an 
active  share  in  the  fatigues  and  dangers  of  a war  in- 
stituted for  the  defense  of  the  community  of  which  he 
was  an  adopted  member.  His  well-known  character 
was  almost  equally  esteemed  by  the  friends  and  foes 
of  the  side  which  he  had  espoused.  In  America  he  was 
celebrated  as  a martyr  to  the  liberties  of  mankind  ; in 
Great  Britain,  as  a misguided  man,  sacrificing  himself 


CHARACTER  OF  MONTGOMERY. 


311 


to  what  he  supposed  to  be  the  rights  of  his  country. 
His  name  was  mentioned  in  parliament  with  singular 
respect.  Some  of  the  most  powerful  speakers  in  that 
assembly  displayed  their  eloquence  in  sounding  his 
praise  and  lamenting  his  • fate.  Those  in  particular 
who  had  been  his  fellow-soldiers  in  the  previous  war, 
expatiated  on  his  many  virtues.  The  minister  himself 
acknowledged  his  worth,  while  he  reprobated  the  cause 
for  which  he  fell.  He  concluded  an  involuntary  pan- 
egyric by  saying,  “ Curse  on  his  virtues,  they  have  un- 
done his  country.” 

“In  this  brief  story  of  a short  and  useful  life,”  says 
Mr.  Armstrong,  in  his  mejnoir  of  Montgomery,  “we 
find  all  the  elements  which  enter  into  the  composition 
of  a great  man,  and  distinguished  soldier ; c a happy 
physical  organization,  combining  strength  and  activity, 
and  enabling  its  possessor  to  encounter  laborious  days 
and  sleepless  nights,  hunger  and  thirst,  all  changes  of 
weather,  and  every > variation  of  climate.’  To  these 
corporeal  advantages  was  added  a mind,  cool,  discrim- 
inating, energetic  and  fearless  ; thoroughly  acquainted 
with  mankind,  not  uninstructed  in  the  literature  and 
sciences  of  the  day,  and  habitually  directed  by  a high 
and  unchangeable  moral  sense.  That  a man  so  consti- 
tuted should  have  won  ‘ the  golden  opinions  ’ of  friends 
and  foes,  is  not  extraordinary.*  The  most  eloquent  men 
of  the  British  senate  became  his  panegyrists  ; and  the 


* As  soon  as  the  news  of  Montgomery’s  death  reached  congress,  they 
adopted  resolutions  of  condolence  with  his  family  for  their  bereavement, 
and  directed  a monument  to  be  erected  to  his  memory,  with  an  inscription 
expressive  of  their  veneration  for  his  character,  and  of  their  deep  sense 
of  his  “ many  signal  and  important  services ; and  to  transmit  to  future 

14 


312  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 


American  congress  hastened  to  testify  for  him  4 theiv 
grateful  remembrance,  profound  respect,  and  high 
veneration.’  ” 

On  the  fall  of  Montgomery,  Colonel  Campbell,  the 
second  in  command,  ordered  a retreat,  although,  if  he 
had  pushed  bravely  forward,  the  city  would  have  in- 
evitably fallen  into  his  hands.  In  the  mean  time, 

ages,  as  an  example  worthy  of  imitation,  his  patriotism,  conduct,  bold- 
ness of  enterprise,  insuperable  perseverance,  and  contempt  of  danger  and 
death.”  A monument  of  white  marble,  with  appropriate  emblematic 
devices,  was  accordingly  erected  to  his  memory,  in  front  of  St  Paul’s 
church  in  New  York,  with  the  following  inscription  : 

THIS 

monument  is  erected  by  order  of  Congress 
25th  January,  1776, 

to  transmit  to  posterity  a grateful  remem- 
brance of  the  patriotic  conduct,  enterprise  and  perseverance 
of  Major-general  Richard  Montgomery, 
who,  after  a series  of  success  amid  the  most  discour- 
aging difficulties,  Fell  in  the  attack  on 
Quebec,  31st  December,  1775,  aged  37  years. 

The  widow  of  Montgomery  survived  him  more  than  half  a century, 
maintaining  the  dignified  position  of  a wife  who  carries  with  her  to 
the  tomb  a name  illustrious  and  venerated  by  an  entire  nation.  Left  a 
widow  when  still  young,  she  wore  for  upward  of  forty  years  her  mourn- 
ing for  her  soldier, — (it  was  thus  she  always  named  him)  — and  threw 
off  that  attire  of  gloom  only  on  the  eve  of  the  day  on  which,  from  the 
same  abode  from  which  she  had  last  beheld  him  at  his  parting  from  her, 
full  of  life  and  hope,  she  saw  passing  before  her  on  the  Hudson,  a steamer 
which  bore-on  its  deck,  overshadowed  by  twenty  star-spangled  banners, 
the  mortal  remains  of  her  husband.  In  1818,  De  Witt  Clinton,  then 
governor  of  New  York,  believed  that  the  moment  had  arrived  to  accom- 
plish a great  act  of  national  gratitude.  The  British  government  sympa- 
thized generously  with  the  noble  idea.  The  remains  of  the  glorious 
Montgomery,  found  undisturbed  in  the  tomb  where  they  had  been  laid 
forty-two  years  before  by  the  English  soldiers,  were  delivered  over  by 
the  governor  of  Canada  to  the  American  veterans  commissioned  to  re- 
ceive them.  Transported  with  a religious  pomp  to  New  York,  they 
were  deposited  in  the  cenotaph  that  had  been  erected  in  St  Paul's 
churoli-yard  to  the  warrior’s  memory. 


FINAL  REPULSE  AT  QUEBEC. 


313 


t blonel  Arnold,  at  the  head  of  about  three  hundred 
and  fifty  men,  made  a desperate  attack  on  the  oppo- 
site side.  Advancing  with  the  utmost  intrepidity 
through  a narrow  path,  exposed  to  an  incessant  fire 
of  grape-shot  and  musketry,  as  he  approached  the  first 
barrier,  he  received  a musket-ball  in  the  leg,  which 
shattered  the  bone,  and  he  was  carried  off  to  the  camp. 
Captain  Morgan,  who  commanded  a company  of  Vir- 
ginia riflemen,  rushed  forward  to  the  batteries  at  their 
head,  and  received  a discharge  of  grape-shot,  which 
killed  one  man  only.  A few  rifles  were  immediately 
fired  into  the  embrasures,  and  the  barricade  was 
mounted  ; the  battery  was  instantly  deserted,  but  the 
captain  of  the  guard,  with  the  greater  part  of  his  nffen, 
fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Americans.  Morgan  formed 
his  men,  but  from  the  darkness  of  the  night  and  total 
ignorance  of  the  situation  of  the  town,  it  was  judged 
unadvisable  to  proceed.  He  was  soon  joined  by  Lieu- 
tenant-colonel Green  and  Majors  Bigelow  and  Meigs, 
with  several  fragments  of  companies,  amounting  col- 
lectively to  about  two  hundred  men.  At  daylight  this 
gallant  party  was  again  formed,  and  a most  bloody 
and  dangerous  engagement  ensued.  Many  of  the 
enemy  were  killed,  but  more  Americans,  who  were  ex- 
posed to  a destructive  fire  of  musketry  from  the  win- 
dows of  the  houses.  Some  of  the  most  daring  mounted 
the  wall,  but,  seeing,  on  the  other  side,  two  ranks  of 
soldiers,  with  their  muskets  on  the  ground,  presenting 
hedges  of  bayonets  to  receive  them  should  they  leap 
forward,  they  recoiled  and  descended.  Weary  with 
exertion,  and  benumbed  with  cold;  exposed  to  a deadly 
fire  from  every  quarter ; their  arms  rendered  useless 


314:  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MO  D NT  AIN  HEROES. 

by  the  snow  which  continued  to  fall,  the  soldiers  sought 
refuge  in  the  houses.  Perceiving  that  all  further  at- 
tempts would  be  vain,  Morgan  gave  the  signal  to  re- 
treat. Some  of  the  men  fled,  but  most  were  unwilling 
to  encounter  another  tempest  of  shot.  They  refused, 
however,  to  yield,  until  assured  of  the  fate  of  Mont- 
gomery; when,  losing  all  hope  of  success  and  escape, 
they  surrendered  themselves  prisoners  of  war. 

Some  of  the  Americans,  on  their  escape  from  Que- 
bec, retreated  precipitately  to  Montreal.  Arnold,  with 
difficulty,  detained  four  hundred,  who,  breaking  up 
their  camp,  retired  three  miles  from  the  city.  Here 
this  heroic  band,  though  much  inferior  in  number  to  the 
garrison,  kept  it  in  continual  awe,  and,  by  preventing 
all  communication  with  the  country,  reduced  it  to  great 
distress  for  the  want  of  provisions.  Congress,  on  re- 
ceiving information  of  the  disaster  of  the  31st  of  De- 
cember, directed  reinforcements  to  be  sent  to  Canada  ; 
and  after  the  beginning  of  March,  Arnold’s  party  was 
almost  daily  augmented  by  the  arrival  of  small  bodies 
of  troops.  But  its  strength  did  not  increase  with  its 
numbers.  The  small-pox  still  continued  its  ravages ; 
fatigue,  without  hope,  depressed  the  spirits  of  the 
soldiers  ; the  difficulty  of  obtaining  provisions  became 
every  day  greater;  and  the  harsh  measures  adopted  by 
Arnold  to  procure  them,  exasperated  the  inhabitants 
around  him. 

On  the  first  of  May,  General  Thomas,  who  had  been 
appointed  to  succeed  Montgomery,  arrived  from  the 
camp  at  Roxbury.  On  reviewing  his  army,  he  found 
it  to‘  consist  of  less  than  two  thousand  men,  of  whom 
half  were  not  fit  for  duty.  A council  of  war  was  held* 


COLONEL  SETH  WARNER. 


315 


who  resolved  that  it  was  expedient  to  take  a more  de- 
fensible position  higher  up  the  St.  Lawrence.  To  this 
decision  they  were  led  by  the  knowledge  that  the  ice 
was  leaving  the  river,  and  by  the  expectation  that 
reinforcements  from  England  would  immediately  come 
up.  The  next  morning,  in  fact,  while  the  Americans 
were  engaged  in  removing  the  sick,  several  ships  ap- 
peared in  sight,  and  entered  the  harbor.  A multitude 
of  troops  were  immediately  poured  into  the  city.  At 
one  o’clock,  Carleton  made  a sortie  at  the  head  of  a 
thousand  men.  Against  these  General  Thomas,  at  that 
moment,  could  oppose  but  three  hundred.  All  the 
stores,  and  many  of  the  sick,  fell  iuto  the  pofoer  of  the 
enemy.  The  latter  were  treated,  by  the  governor, 
with  great  tenderness  ; and  when  restored  to  health, 
were  assisted  to  return  to  their  homes.  The  Americans 
retreated  to  the  mouth  of  the  Sorel,  where  they  were 
joined  by  several  regiments,  and  where  their  worthy 
commander  died  of  the  small-pox,  which  yet  prevailed 
in  the  camp. 

After  the  capture  of  Montreal,  Colonel  Seth  Warner 
had  returned  with  his  regiment  to  the  Kew-Hampshire 
Grants;  but  instead  of  enjoying  a respite  from  the 
fatigues  and  hardships  of  a campaign  during  the 
winter,  he  was  called  on  to  return  to  Canada.  Al- 
though he  was  not  in  commission,  and  had  no  troops 
under  his  command,  yet,  General  Wooster,  who  knew 
him  well,  did  not  scruple  to  write,  requesting  him  to 
raise  a body  of  men,  and  march  into  Canada,  in  the 
middle  of  winter.  The  letter  is  dated  at  Montreal, 
January  6th,  1776.  After  giving  a general  account  of 
the  defeat  at  Quebec,  General  Wooster  says  : “I  hare 


316  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

sent  an  express  to  General  Schuyler,  to  Washington, 
and  to  congress,  but  you  know  how  very  long  it  will 
be  before  we  can  have  relief  from  them.  You,  sir,  and 
your  valiant  Green-Mountain  Boys,  are  in  our  neigh- 
borhood ; you  all  have  arms,  and  I am  confident  ever 
stand  ready  to  lend  a helping  hand  to  your  brethren 
in  distress;  therefore,  let  me  beg  of  you  to  raise  as  many 
men  as  you  can,  and  have  them  in  Canada,  with  the 
least  possible  delay,  to  remain  till  we  can  have  relief 
from  the  Colonies.  You  will  see  that  proper  officers 
are  Appointed  under  you,  and  the  officers  and  privates 
will  have  the  same  pay  as  the  continental  troops.  It 
will  be  fbr  your  men  to  start  as  soon  as  they  can  be 
collected.  No  matter  whether  they  all  march  together, 
but  let  them  come  on  by  tens,  twenties,  thirties,  for- 
ties, or  fifties,  as  fast  as  they  can  be  prepared  to  march. 
It  will  have  a good  effect  upon  the  minds  of  the  Cana- 
dians, to  see  succor  coming  in.  You  will  be  good 
enough  to  send  copies  of  this  letter,  or  such  parts  of 
it  as  you  shall  judge  proper,  to  the  people  below  you. 
I can  but  hope  the  people  will  make  a push  to  get 
into  this  country,  and  I am  confident  I shall  see  you 
here,  with  your  men,  in  a very  short  time.  ” And  Gen- 
eral Wooster  was  not  disappointed.  He  did  see  War- 
ner in  Canada,  with  his  men,  in  a very*sh@rt  time. 
Probably  no  revolutionary  patriot,  during  the  war, 
performed  a service  evincing  more  energy,  resolution, 
and  perseverance,  or  a more  noble  patriotism,  than 
the  raising  of  a regiment  in  eleven  days,  and 
marching  to  Quebec  in  the  face  of  a Canadian  winter. 

Warner  had  advantages  in  the  performance  of  this 
service  which  no  other  man  possessed.  The  Green- 


COLONEL  SETH  WARNER. 


SIT 


Mountain  Boys  had  long  been  armed  in  their  own 
defense  against  the  government  of  New  York,  and  he 
had  been  their  chosen  leader.  They  had  become  habit- 
uated to  turn  out  at  his  call,  ai.  How  his  lead.  And 
as  they  had  been  successful  in  every  enterprise,  they 
had  the  most  unlimited  confidence  in  his  judgment-, 
his  vigilance,  his  prudence  and  his  unflinching  courage. 
Besides,  they  loved  him  for  his  moral  and  social  quali- 
ties. He  sympathized  with  all  classes,  which  rendered 
him  affable  and  familiar  with  them,  and  as  this  did  not 
arise  from  any  mean  or  selfish  motive,  but  from  the 
interest  which  he  felt  in  the  welfare  of  his  fellow-men, 
he  ever  maintained  a self-respect  and  a dignified  de- 
portment. Add  to  this,  that  the  Green-Mountain  Boys 
were  zealous  and  active  whigs,  and  it  is  no  longer 
incredible  that  they  turned  out  with  such  alacrity  at 
the  call  of  Warner,  in  defense  of  their  country.  This 
winter  campaign  in  Canada  proved  extremely  distress- 
ing. The  troops  were  in  want  of  comfortable  clothing, 
barracks,  and  provisions.  The  American  army,  in 
their  distressed  situation,  were  compelled  to  make  a 
hasty  retreat.  Warner  took  a position  exposed  to  the 
greatest  danger,  and  requiring  the  utmost  care  and 
vigilance.  He  was  always1  in  the  rear,  picking  up  the 
wounded  and  diseased,  assisting  and  encouraging  those 
least  able  to  take  care  of  themselves,  and  generally 
kept  but  a few  miles  in  advance  of  the  British,  who 
closely  pursued  the  Americans  from  post  to  post.  By 
calmly  and  steadily  pursuing  this  course,  with  his 
habitual  vigilance  and  care,  Warner  brought  off  most 
of  the  invalids,  and  with  this  corps  of  the  diseased  and 
infirm,  arrived  at  Ticonderoga  a few  days  after  the 


318  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 


main  army  had  reached  that  fortress.*  Thus  termi- 
nated the  expedition  against  Canada.  In  its  concep- 
tion it  was  singularly  bold  and  romantic.  In  its 
progress  were  displayed  fortitude  and  bravery  seldom 
equaled  in  military  annals.  Its  failure  was  a painful 
disappointment  to  the  patriots  of  the  day.  It  is  now 
consoling  to  reflect,  that  successes  would  probably  have 
proved  injurious  to  the  cause  of  independence.  To 
protect  the  province,  the  military  force  of  the  confed- 
eracy must  have  been  too  much  extended,  and  colonies 
more  important  have  been  left  defenseless. 

In  June,  1776,  General  Gatesf  was  appointed  to  the 
command  of  the  army  at  Crown  Point.  He  entered 
upon  the  service  with  great  energy.  In  addition  to 
the  labor  and  expense  of  putting  Ticonderoga  into  a 
proper  situation  for  defense,  another  object  of  great 
importance  engaged  their  attention  at  the  same  time  : 
it  was  equally  necessary  to  preserve  the  command  of 

* See  Life  of  Warner,  by  Hon.  Daniel  Chipman. 

t Horatio  Gates  was  born  in  England,  in  1728.  He  early  embraced 
tbe  career  of  arms,  and  rose  to  the  rank  of  major  by  the  force  of  merit 
alone.  He  was  an  officer  under  the  unfortunate  Braddock,  in  the  expe- 
dition against  Fort  Du  Quesne,  in  the  year  1755,  and  was,  with  the 
illustrious  Washington,  among  the  few  officers  who  escaped  with  life  on 
the  memorable  occasion.  In  consequence  of  a severe  wound  which  he 
received  in  the  battle,  he  was  for  some  time  debarred  from  actual  service ; 
and  at  the  conclusion  of  the  peace,  he  retired  to  his  native  country. 
He  soon,  however,  returned,  and  purchased  an  estate  in  Yirginia,  on 
which  he  resided  until  the  commencement  of  the  revolutionary  war, 
when  he  was  appointed  adjutant-general,  by  congress,  with  the  rank  of 
brigadier.  In  July  1775,  he  accompanied  Washington  to  Massachusetts, 
where  he  continued  until  he  received  the  chief  command  of  the  arnv 
which  had  just  returned  from  Canada. 


NAVAL  PREPARATIONS. 


319 


Lake  Champlain,  by  the  construction  of  a considerable 
naval  force.  In  the  prosecution  of  this  business,  the 
Americans  labored  with  uncommon  diligence  and  per- 
severance, but  under  complicated  and  immense  diffi- 
culties. Their  timber  was  to  be  cut  down  in  the  woods, 
and  dragged  by  men  to  the  lake ; much  of  their  ar- 
tillery, their  ammunition,  stores,  and  most  of  their 
materials  for  a naval  equipment,  were  to  be  brought 
from  great  distances,  and  then  must  be  transported  by 
land-carriage,  over  roads  almost  impassable.  Carpen- 
ters and  ship-builders  were  fully  employed  in  the  sea- 
ports, in  fitting  out  privateers.  The  distance  and  diffi- 
culty of  the  communication  rendered  the  transportation 
of  bulky  articles  very  expensive  and  tedious  ; and  sev- 
eral of  the  articles  which  were  wanted  were  not  to  be 
procured,  and  the  supply  of  others  was  greatly  deficient 
in  quantity  and  quality.  But  amidst  all  their  difficulties, 
such  was  the  resolution,  industry  and  perseverance  of 
the  men,  that  by  the  middle  of  August,  they  had 
equipped  a very  considerable  naval  force.  This  arma- 
ment was  manned  with  three  hundred  and  ninety-five 
men,  and  was  completely  fitted  for  action.  Consider- 
ing the  state  of  the  country  at  that  time,  the  difficulties 
and  disadvantages  under  which  this  naval  force  had 
been  constructed,  it  is  surprising  how  so  much  could 
have  been  effected. 

Such,  however,  was  the  importance  to  the  designs 
of  the  English  of  obtaining  an  absolute  control  of  the 
lakes,  that  General  Carleton  set  himself  with  all  dili- 
gence to  the  equipment  of  a fleet.  His  plan  was,  ac- 
cording to  the  instructions  of  the  ministry,  to  penetrate 
by  way  of  the  lake  to  the  Hudson  river,  and  thus  to 


820  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

effect  a junction  with  the  army  of  New  York,  at  Al- 
bany. By  the  execution  of  this  plan,  the  provinces  of 
New  England  would  have  found  themselves  separated 
from  the  others  by  a powerful  and  victorious  army, 
and  the  cause  of  freedom  would  have  been  exposed  to 
the  most  imminent  perils.  Long  deliberated  upon  in  the 
councils  of  the  British  ministers,  it  was  their  favorite 
scheme.  And,  in  effect,  the  very  nature  of  the  places 
between  Canada  and  New  York,  appeared  to  favor 
this  enterprise.  With  the  exception  of  the  heights 
which  are  found  between  the  upper  extremity  of  Lake 
George  and  the  left  bank  of  the  Hudson,  and  which 
only  occupy  a space  of  sixteen  miles,  the  entire  passage 
from  one  of  these  provinces  to  the  other,  could  easily  be 
made  by  water,  first  by  ascending  from  the*  St.  Law- 
rence into  the  Sorel,  and  then  traversing  the  Lakes 
Champlain  and  George,  or  Wood  creek,  to  the  lands 
which  separate  it  from  the  Hudson.  The  English  hav- 
ing an  immense  superiority  at  sea,  Canada  being  en- 
tirely in  their  power,  and  as  the  principal  seat  of  resist- 
ance was  found  in  the  provinces  of  New  England, 
while  the  coasts  of  New  York  were  peculiarly  acces- 
sible to  maritime  attacks,  it  cannot  be  denied  that  this 
plan  of  the  campaign  presented  great  advantages.  But 
the  difficulty  of  the  enterprise  was  equal  to  its  impor- 
tance. It  was  requisite  to  construct,  or  at  least  to 
equip  a fleet  of  thirty  vessels  of  different  dimensions, 
and  to  arm  them  with  artillery  ; the  want  of  materials 
rendered  either  of  these  objects  difficult  to  accomplish. 
The  transportation  afterward  in  certain  places  by  land 
and  drawing  up  the  rapids  of  Chambly,  of  thirty 
large  long-boats,  a number  of  flat-bottomed  boats  of 


BRITISH  NAVAL  FORCE. 


321 


considerable  burthen,  with  above  four  hundred  bateaux, 
was  an  operation  which  offered  not  only  great  obstacles, 
but  even  an  appearance  of  impossibility.  But  the 
English  seamen,  from  their  skill  and  patience,  were 
not  intimidated  by  it.  The  soldiers  seconded  them, 
and  the  Canadians,  taken  from  their  rustic  labors,  were 
compelled  to  share  the  toil.  The  generals  urged  for- 
ward this  laborious  undertaking  on  account  of  the 
lateness  of  the  season.  They  felt  all  the  importance 
of  the  enterprise,  and  persuaded  themselves  that  if 
they  could  reach  Albany  before  winter,  their  ultimate 
success  would  be  secured.  They  labored,  therefore, 
with  incredible  activity  ; but  notwithstanding  all  their 
efforts,  the  preparations  could  not  be  completed,  nor 
the  armament  equipped,  till  the  middle  of  the  month 
of  October.  The  fleet  would  have  made  no  contempti- 
ble figure  even  upon  the  European  seas.  The  admiral’s 
ship  carried  eighteen  twelve  pounders,  and  was  followed 
by  two  stout  schooners,  the  one  mounting  fourteen,  the 
other,  twelve  six-pounders,  with  a large  flat-bottomed 
boat  having  six  twenty-four  and  six  twelve-pounders. 
Twenty  vessels  of  less  size  carried  each  a brass  piece  of 
ordnance,  from  nine  to  twenty -four  pounders,  or  howit- 
zers. Several  long-boats  were  equipped  in  the  same  man- 
ner. Besides  these,  there  was  a great  number  of  boats 
and  tenders  of  various  sizes,  to  serve  as  transports  for  the 
troops,  baggage,  warlike  stores,  provisions,  and  arms 
of  every  sort. 

The  whole  fleet  was  commanded  by  Captain  Pringle, 
a sea-officer  of  great  experience  ; it  was  manned  by  a 
select  body  of  seamen,  animated  with  an  extreme  de- 
sire of  victory.  The  land-troops,  encamped  in  the 


322  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN -MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

environs,  prepared,  as  soon  as  the  navigation  of  the  lake 
should  be  secured,  to  fall  upon  the  enemy.  Three 
thousand  men  occupied  Isle  Aux  Noix,  and  as  many 
were  stationed  at  St.  John’s  : the  remainder  were  dis“ 
tributed  either  in  the  vessels  or  in  the  neighboring 
garrisons. 

The  Americans  united  all  their  forces  to  resist  such 
formidable  preparations.  General  Gates  was  at  their 
head,  and  Arnold  showed  himself  everywhere,  inspir 
ing  the  soldiers  with  that  ardent  courage  for  which  he 
was  himself  distinguished.  As  the  event  of  the  cam- 
paign upon  this  frontier  depended  wholly  upon  naval 
operations,  the  Americans  had  exerted  themselves  to 
the  utmost  of  their  power  to  arm  and  equip  a fleet 
capable  of  opposing  that  of  the  enemy.  But,  notwith- 
standing the  activity  and  perseverance  of  the  American 
generals,  their  squadron  amounted  to  no  more  than  fif- 
teen vessels  of  different  sizes,  two  brigs,  one  corvette,  one 
sloop,  three  galleys,  and  eight  flat-boats.  Their  largest 
vessel  mounted  only  twelve  six  and  four-pounders.  But 
that  this  armament  might  not  want  a chief  whose  in- 
trepidity equaled  the  danger  of  the  enterprise,  the 
command  of  it  was  given  to  General  Arnold.  It  was 
expected  of  him  to  maintain,  upon  this  new  element, 
the  reputation  he  had  acquired  on  land.  The  American 
army,  notwithstanding  all  the  obstacles  it  had  encoun- 
tered, and  the  ravages  of  the  small-pox,  still  amounted 
to  eight  or  nine  thousand  men. 

All  the  dispositions  being  made  on  both  sides, 
General  Carleton,  impatient  to  conquer,  ordered  all  his 
naval  forces  to  advance  toward  Grown  Point,  intending 
to  attack  Arnold  there.  He  had  already  reached  the 


Arnold’s  naval  engagement. 


323 


middle  of  the  lake  without  having  been  able  to  discover 
him,  and  was  proceeding  without  any  distrust,  when 
all  at  once  the  English  perceived  the  American  squad- 
ron, which  was  drawn  up  with  great  skill,  behind  the 
island  of  Valcour,  and  occupied  the  passage  between 
the  island  and  the  western  shore  of  the  lake.  This 
unexpected  interview  caused  a violent  agitation  on 
both  sides.  A fierce  engagement  immediately  ensued. 
But  the  wind  being  unfavorable  to  the  English,  they 
could  not  display  their  whole  line ; the  Inflexible,  and 
their  other  vessels  of  the  largest  class,  took  no  part  in 
the  action.  The  brig  Carleton,  accompanied  by  several 
gun-boats,  assailed  Arnold’s  fleet  with  singular  courage 
and  ability.  The  Americans  supported  the  combat 
with  equal  bravery  ; it  lasted  above  four  hours.  The 
wind  continuing  to  be  contrary  for  the  English,  Captain 
Pringle  perceived  that  he  could  not^iope  to  obtain  ad- 
vantages with  a part  of  his  forces  against  all  those  of 
the  enemy,  and  accordingly  gave  the  signal  for  retreat ; 
ordering  the  fleet  to  be  anchored  in  a line,  in  presence 
of  the  American  squadron. 

The  Americans  had  lost  in  the  action  their  largest 
brig,  which  took  fire  and  was  consumed,  as  also  a flat- 
boat  which  went  to  the  bottom.  They  considered  it 
extremely  dangerous  to  await  a second  engagement 
in  the  anchorage  they  occupied,  and  consequently  de- 
termined to  retire  under  the  walls  of  Crown  Point, 
hoping  that  the  artillery  of  the  fortress  would  counter- 
balance the  superiority  of  the  enemy’s  force.  Fortune 
seemed  inclined  to  favor  this  design  of  General  Arnold  ; 
and  already  his  vessels,  having  lost  sight  of  those  of 
the  English,  sailed  rapidly  toward  their  new  station ; 


324  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

when  suddenly  the  wind  became  favorable  to  the 
enemy,  who  pursued  and  came  up  with  them  before 
their  arrival  at  Crown  Point.  The  battle  was  immedi- 
ately renewed  with  greater  fury  than  at  first ; it  con- 
tinued upward  of  two  hours.  Those  vessels,  in  the 
mean  while,  which  were  most  ahead,  crowded  sail,  and, 
passing  Crown  Point,  ran  for  Ticonderoga.  Only  two 
galleys  and  five  flat-boats,  remained  with  General 
Arnold.  With  these  he  made  a desperate  defense ; but 
his  second  in  command,  Brigadier-general  Waterburgh, 
being  taken  with  his  vessel,  and  the  others  making  but 
a faint  resistance,  he  determined,  in  order  to  prevent 
his  people  and  shipping  from  falling  into  the  power 
of  the  enemy,  to  run  these  on  6hore  and  set  them  on 
fire.  He  executed  his  intention  with  great  address. 
He  remained  on  board  the  vessel  he  commanded,  and 
kept  her  colors  flying,  till  she  was  on  fire.  Though  he 
had  been  unsuc^ssful  on  this  occasion,  the  disparity 
of  strength  duly  considered,  he  lost  no  reputation,  but 
rose,  on  the  contrary,  in  the  estimation  of  his  country- 
men. He  had,  in  their  opinion,  acquitted  himself  with 
no  less  ability  in  this  naval  encounter,  than  he  had 
before  done  on  land.  The  Americans,  having  destroyed 
whatever  could  not  be  carried  off,  evacuated  Crown 
Point  and  withdrew  to  Ticonderoga.  General  Carleton 
occupied  the  former  immediately,  and  the  rest  of  the 
army  came  soon  after  to  join  him  there. 

Completely  masters  of  Lake  Champlain,  the  English 
had  no  other  obstacle  to  surmount  besides  the  fortress 
of  Ticonderoga,  in  order  to  penetrate  into  Lake  George. 
If  Carleton,  rapidly  availing  himself  of  his  advantage, 
had  pushed  forward  against  the  Americans  thrown  into 


GENERAL  t?ARLETON. 


325 


confusion  by  defeat,  perhaps  he  might  have  seized  this  * 
important  place.  But  he  was  prevented  from  doing  it 
by  a south  wind,  which  prevailed  for  several  days. 
The  Americans  made  the  best  use  of  this  time  in  pre- 
paring and  increasing  their  means  of  defense.  They 
mounted  their  cannon,  constructed  new  works,  and 
repaired,  the  old,  surrounding  them  with  moats  and 
palisades.  The  garrison  was  reinforced  with  extreme 
expedition ; and  conformably  to  the  orders  of  Wash- 
ington, the  oxen  and  horses  were  removed  into  distant 
places,  that  the  English  might  not  seize  them  for  pro- 
vision or  draught.  Meanwhile,  General  Carleton  had 
not  neglected  to  detach  scouting  parties  upon  the  two 
banks  of  the  lake  ; and,  when  the  wind  permitted,  some 
light  vessels  were  also  sent  toward  Ticonderoga,  to  re 
connoiter  the  force  of  the  enemy  and  the  state  of  the 
fortress.  All  the  reports  agreed  that  the  fortifications 
were  formidable,  and  the  garrison  full  of  ardor.  He 
reflected,  therefore,  that  the  siege  must  be  long,  difficult, 
and  sanguinary,  and  concluded,  accordingly,  that  the 
possession  of  this  fortress  would  not  indemnify  him  for 
all  it  might  cost.  The  winter  approached  ; the  want 
of  provisions,  the  difficulty  of  direct  communication 
with  Canada,  and  the  little  hope  of  success  from  an 
expedition  in  the  cold  and  desert  regions  which  sepa- 
rate the  Hudson  river  from  Lake  George,  rendered  the 
wintering  upon  this  lake  extremely  perilous.  In  con- 
sequent of  these  considerations,  the  English  general 
deemed  the  reduction  of  Ticonderoga  of  little  utility 
in  his  present  circumstances,  whereas  the  command  of 
the  lakes  secured  him  a clear  passage  to  return  in  the 
spring  to  the  attack  of  this  fortress,  without  exposing 


326  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

his  troops  to  the  hardships  of  a siege,  undertaken  in 
the  midst  of  the  rigors  of  the  winter.  After  having 
taken  the  advice  of  a council  of  war,  he  renounced  the 
project  of  an  attack,  and  early  in  November  conducted 
his  army  back  toward  Montreal,  leaving  his  advanced 
posts  in  Isle  Aux  Noix.  But  prior  to  his  retreat,  with 
the  singular  courtesy  and  humanity  of  his  character, 
he  sent  to  their  homes  the  American  officers  who  had 
fallen  into  his  power,  administering  generously  to-  all 
their  wants.  He  exercised  the  same  liberality  toward 
the  common  soldiers.  The  greater  part  were  almost 
naked  ; he  caused  them  to  be  completely  clothed,  and 
set  them  at  liberty,  after  having  taken  their  oath  that 
they  would  not  serve  against  the  armies  of  the  king 
General  Carleton  was  blamed  for  having  taken  winter- 
quarters  ; this  resolution  was  considered  as  a mark  of 
weakness,  and  as  highly  prejudicial  to  the  success  of 
ulterior  operations ; since,  if  he  had  immediately  made 
himself  master  of  Ticonderoga,  his  troops,  after  having 
passed  the  winter  in  its  vicinity,  would  have  been  able 
to  enter  the  field  early  the  following  spring.  It  is 
probable,  in  effect,  that  the  war  would,  in  that  case, 
have  had  a very  different  result  from  what  it  actually 
had.  But  the  conquest  of  a place  so  strong  by  nature 
and  by  art  as  Ticonderoga,  depended  on  the  resistance 
the  Americans  would  have  made  ; and  certainly  their 
number,  the  valor  they  had  displayed  in  the  naval  ac- 
tions, and  the  extreme  confidence  they  had  in  their 
chiefs,  all  announced  that  their  defense  would  have 
been  long  and  obstinate.  Nor  should  the  considerations 
be  omitted  of  the  difficulty  of  subsistence,  and  of  the 
communications  with  Canada.  Be  this  as  it  may,  the 


THE  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  BOYS. 


327 


retreat  of  the  English  general,  and  his  inaction  during 
the  winter,  had  the  most  happy  results  for  the  Americans. 

The  services  of  the  regiment  of  Green-Mountain 
Boys,  and  the  aid  furnished  to  the  army  at  Ticonde- 
roga  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  New-Hampshire  Grants, 
have  not  been  sufficiently  commemorated  by  historians. 
W ariifcf,  with  his  brave  regiment,  was  at  Ticonderoga 
during  the  whole  campaign  ’of  1776,  and  by  his  ac- 
tivity and  energy,  did  much  toward  protecting  that 
important  post.  The  patriotic  heroes  of  the  Green 
Mountains  were  ever  ready  at  the  call  of  freedom  and 
their  country.  Few  in  number,  and  without  recog- 
nition as  a separate  province,  they  were  without 
representatives  in  the  congress,  but  they  had  ever  been 
zealous  champions  of  liberty.  Six  months  before  the 
commencement  of  the  Revolution,  when  the  rumor 
reached  Bennington  that  the  British  had  slain  six  men 
in  Boston  and  seized  a depot  of  powder,  it  was  at 
once  resolved  that  two  thousand  armed  Green-Mountain 
Boys  should  march  to  the  aid  of  the  Bostonians  when- 
ever hostilities  should  commence.  And  four  weeks 
before  the  battle  of  Lexington,  they  sent  assurances  to 
New  Hampshire  and  Massachusetts  that  they  would 
“always  be  ready  for  aid  and  assistance  to  those 
states,  if,  by  the  dispensations  of  Providence,  they 
should  be  called  thereto.”  But  the  Massachusetts 
committee  of  safety  anticipated  a long  and  arduous 
struggle,  and  one  week  after  the  massacre  at  Lexing- 
ton, they  thus  wrote  to  the  leading  men  at  Benning- 
ton : “For  heaven’s  sake,  pay  the  closest  attention  to 
sowing  and  planting  ; do  as  much  of  it  as  is  possible, 
not  for  your  own  families  merely.  Do  not  think  of 


328  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES 

coming  down  country  to  fight.”  That  committee  little 
anticipated  how  soon  a small  band  of  Green-Mountain 
Boys,  armed  only  with  muskets,  and  without  a single 
bayonet  among  them,  would  attack  the  fortress  of  Ti- 
conderoga.  On  the  22d  of  May,  1775,  at  a public 
meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Marlborough,  (near  old 
Fort  Dummer,)  the  following  pledges  were  unanimously 
made  : “We  will,  each  of  us,  at  the  expense  of  our 
lives  and  fortunes,  to  the  last  extremity,  unite  and 
oppose  the  late  cruel,  unjust  and  arbitrary  acts  of  the 
British  parliament.  We  will  be  contented  and  subject 
to  the  honorable  continental  . congress  in  all  things 
which  they  shall  resolve  for  the  peace,  safety  and  wel- 
fare of  the  American  colonies.” 

In  1776,  while  Carleton,  with  superior  forces,  was 
attempting  to  dpve  the  Americans  from  Lake  Cham- 
plain, the  inhabitants  of  the  New-Hampshire  Grants 
gave  the  most  important  assistance  to  the  army  at  Ti- 
conderoga.  While  the  troops  in  that  fortress  were  ex- 
pecting to  be  immediately  blockaded,  they  had  pro- 
visions for  only  sixteen  days,  and  there  was  no  hope 
of  receiving  timely  succors  from  Albany.  A call  was 
made  upon  the  committee  at  Bennington  for  assist- 
ance, and  within  an  hour  they  purchased  a thou- 
sand bushels  of  wheat,  and  returned  word  that  they 
would  send  on  the  flour  as  fast  as  it  could  be  manufac- 
tured. The  committee,  in  their  reply  to  General  Gates, 
also  said  : “ It  is  difficult  to  transport  what  we  have  al- 
ready on  hand ; for  our  militia,  even  before  we  received 
your  letter,  asking  assistance,  left  us,  almost  to  a man, 
marched,  and  have  doubtless  joined  you  before  this.” 
And  thus  the  Green-Mountain  Boys  hurried  to  the 


EVACUATION  OF  BOSTON. 


329 


defense  of  their  country.  Scattered  through  a moun- 
tainous country,  it  might  have  been  thought  difficult  to 
collect  the  scanty  population  ; but  the  cry  of  invasion 
echoed  from  hill  to  hill,  from  village  to  village,  and, 
leaving  their  herds  and  their  fields,  and  hastily  ex- 
changing a parting  blessing  with  their  wives  and  their 
mothers,  the  hardy  mountaineers  rushed  to  the  battle. 

“ From  the  gray  sire,  whose  trembling  hand 
Could  hardly  buckle  on  his  brand. 

To  the  raw  boy,  whose  shaft  and  bow 
Were  yet  scarce  terror  to  the  crow. 

Each  valley,  each  sequestered  glen, 

Mustered  its  little  horde  of  men, 

That  met,  as  torrents  from  the  height, 

In  highland  dale  their  streams  unite ; 

Still  gathering,  as  they  pour  along, 

A voice  more  loud,  a tide  more  strong.” 

A hasty  glance  at  the  transactions  in  other  parts  of 
the  country  will  appropriately  close  the  history  of  the 
campaign  of  1776.  In  March,  General  Washington 
executed  a plan  for  driving  the  British  from  Boston, 
by  seizing  and  fortifying  Dorchester  Heights,  and  thus 
getting  command  of  the  harbor  and  British  shipping. 
On  the  17th,  the  British  forces  evacuated  the  town 
and  sailed  for  Halifax.  In  June,  General  Clinton  and 
Sir  Peter  Parker  made  an  attack  on  Fort  Moultrie, 
near  Charleston,  South  Carolina  ; but  were  repulsed 
with  considerable  loss.  Congress,  meanwhile,  contin- 
ued in  session,  and  on  the  4th  of  July,  adopted  the 
memorable  Declaration  of  Independence.  It  was  receiv- 
ed with  demonstrations  of  joyous  enthusiasm  through- 
out the  colonies.  The  royal  authority  had  been  every- 
where entirely  subverted  the  year  before  : the  Revolu- 
tion was  now  in  a political  sense  completed ; but  the 
war  for  its  establishment  was  yet  to  be  waged. 


330  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

/ 

Shortly  after  the  evacuation  of  Boston  by,  the  Brit 
ish,  General  Washington  removed  to  New  York,  mak- 
ing that  city  his  head-quarters.  The  American  forces 
in  and  around  the  city  were  about  seventeen  thousand, 
a part  of  whom  were  on  Long  Island,  under  command 
of  Sullivan.  In  June  following,  General  Howe,  with 
the  forces  from  Halifax,  arrived  near  New  York,  and 
was  shortly  after  joined  by  his  brother,  Admiral  Lord 
Howe,  with  a reinforcement  of  troops,  a strong  naval 
force,  and  abundant  military  stores.  The  army  under 
Howe  now  amounted  to  twenty-four  thousand.  He 
attacked  and  defeated  the  American  army  on  Long 
Island.  General  Washington  witnessed  the  defeat  of 
his  best  troops  with  indescribable  anguish.  With- 
drawing from  New  York,  he  gradually  retreated  before 
the  British,  adopting  the  policy  of  wearing  out  the 
enemy  by  keeping  them  in  perpetual  pursuit.  Avoid- 
ing any  general  engagement,  small  parties  were  in- 
volved in  skirmishes  whenever  it  could  be  done  with 
decided  advantage.  Pursued  by  the  enemy,  Wash- 
ington retreated  slowly  through  New  Jersey  and  across 
the  Delaware  into  Pennsylvania.  So  hot  was  the  pur- 
suit, that  the  rear  of  the  American  army  was  often  in 
sight  of  the  van  of  the  enemy.  Washington’s  forces 
were  reduced  to  three  thousand  men,  and  they  were 
destitute  of  tents,  blankets,  and  even  utensils  for  cook- 
ing their  provisions.  This  retreat  through  New  Jersey 
was  the  darkest  hour  of  the  revolutionary  struggle. 
On  the  same  day  that  Washington  was  driven  across 
the  Delaware,  the  British  took  possession  of  Khode  Isl- 
and. They  already  held  New  York  and  New  Jersey. 
The  army  of  Washington  was  continually  diminishing 


CAPTURE  OF  THE  HESSIANS. 


331 


by  the  discharge  of  the  militia,  whose  term  of  service 
had  expired.  A general  gloom  and  despondency  hung 
over  the  whole  country.  But  nothing  could  shake  the 
constancy  of  Washington.  Feeling  the  absolute  ne- 
cessity of  doing  something  to  rouse  the  army  and  the 
country  from  the  depression  that  was  weighing  down 
all  minds,  Washington  recrossed  the  Delaware  with  a 
detachment  of  his  army,  surprised  and  took  prisoners 
one  thousand  Hessians,  with  the  loss  of  but  nine  men 
among  his  own  troops.  SoOn  after,  evading  by  night 
the  British,  who  were  encamped  at  Trenton  in  the  con- 
fident expectation  of  forcing  him  into  a general  en- 
gagement the  next  day,  he  marched  upon  Princeton, 
where  a part  of  the  British  force  had  been  left,  routed 
and  put  to  flight  two  regiments  which  he  met  on  his 
way,  and  captured  nearly  the  whole  of  another.  These 
brilliant  actions  turned  the  tide.  The  British  immedi- 
ately evacuated  Trenton,  and  retreated  to  Hew  Bruns- 
wick ; the  inhabitants,  eager  to  revenge  the  brutalities 
they  had  suffered,  took  courage,  and  the  enemy  were 
driven  from  every  post  in  Hew  Jersey,  except  Amboy 
and  Hew  Brunswick  ; and  Washington  went  into  se- 
cure winter  quarters  at  Morristown. 

During  the  darkest  period  of  this  campaign,  the 
American  congress  showed  no*  6ign  of  dismay.  They 
adopted  articles  of  confederation  for  a perpetual  union 
off  the  states  ; took  measures  for  raising  a new  army, 
with  a longer  term  of  enlistment ; and  solemnly  pro- 
claimed that  they  would  listen  to  no  terms  of  peace 
short  of  independence.  They  sent  commissioners  to 
France  to  treat  for  their  acknowledgment  of  their  in- 
dependence, and  for  aid  in  their  struggle.  The  cause 


332  , ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN -MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

of  America  was  popular  at  the  French  court  ; counte- 
nance and  assistance  was  at  once,  in  various  ways, 
secretly  given.  Many  French  officers  became  desirous 
of  enlisting  in  the  struggle,  among  whom  was  the 
young  Marquis  de  Lafayette,  who  arrived  in  season  to 
take  part  in  the  next  campaign. 

The  principal  object  of  the  British,  in  the  campaign 
of  1777,  was  to  open  a free  communication  between 
Canada  and  New  York.  The  British  ministry  were 
sanguine  in  their  hopes,  that,  the  New-England  states, 
which  they  considered  as  the  soul  of  the  confederacy, 
might  be  severed  from  the  neighboring  states,  and 
compelled  to  submission.  In  prosecution  of  this  design, 
an  army  of  British  and  German  troops,  amounting  to 
upward  of  seven  thousand  men,  exclusive  of  artillery, 
was  put  under  command  of  Lieutenant-general  Bur- 
goyne,*  an  enterprising  and  able  officer.  The  plan  of 
operations  consisted  of  two  parts.  General  Bnrgoyne 
with  the  main  body,  was  to  advance  by  way  of  Lake 
Champlain,  and  force  his  way  to  Albany,  or,  at  least, 
so  far  as  to  effect  a junction  with  the  royal  army  from 
New  York  ; and  Lieutenant-colonel  St.  Leger,  with 
about  two  hundred  British,  a regiment  of  New-York 
loyalists,  raised  and  commanded  by  Sir  John  Johnson, 

*John  Burgoyne  was  an  illegitimate  son  of  Lord  Bingley.  He  en- 
tered the  army  at  an  early  age,  and  his  early  education,  and  the  influence 
of  his  father,  placed  him  in  the  line  of  promotion.  He  first  served  in  Por- 
tugal and  Spain.  After  his  return  to  England,  he  became  a privy  coun- 
selor, and  was  elected  to  parliament.  He  came  over  to  America  in  1775, 
and  was  at  Boston  at  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill.  He  was  sent  to  Can- 
ada the  same  year,  but  early  in  1776  returned  to  England,  and  through 
the  partiality  of  the  king,  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  British 
army  in  Canada. 


GENERAL  BURGOYNE. 


333 


a.  J a large  body  of  Indians,  was  to  ascend  the  St, 
Lawrence  to  Lake  Ontario,  and  from  that  quarter  to 
penetrate  toward  Albany,  by  the  way  of  the  Mohawk 
river. 

The  main  army,  under  General  Burgoyne,  embarked 
at  St.  John’s,  and  proceeded  up  Lake  Champlain 
without  any  interruption ; and  soon  arrived  and  en- 
camped at  the  river  Boquet,  on  the  west  side  of  the 
lake,  and  a little  to  the  northward  of  Crown  Point, 
at  the  place  now  called  Willsborough.  There  the 
Indians  had  also  assembled,  and  General  Burgoyne, 
in  conformity  to  their  customs,  gave  them  a war-fea6t. 
He  made  a speech,  addressed  to  their  chiefs  and  war- 
riors, designed  to  excite  their  savage  ardor  in  the 
British  cause,  and  to  give  a direction  to  their  cruelty 
and  barbarity.  He  urged  them  to  impetuosity  in  bat- 
tle, but  enjoined  them  not  to  kill  any  but  those  who 
were  opposed  to  them  in  arms  ; that  old  men,  women, 
children  and  prisoners,  should  be  spared  from  the 
knife  and  hatchet,  even  in  the  midst  of  action  ; and 
they  should  only  scalp  those  who  were  killed  by  their 
fire  in  fair  opposition  ; but  that,  under  no  pretense 
whatever,  should  they  scalp  the  wounded,  or  even  dy- 
ing, and  much  less  kill  any  in  that  condition.  A hand- 
some compensation  was  promise^,  for  all  prisoners 
they  should  bring  in  ; but  if,  instead  of  this,  they 
brought  in  their  scalps,  they  were  to  be  called  to  ac- 
count. The  British  general  could  not  be  so  unac- 
quainted with  the  established  customs  and  habits  of 
the  Indians,  as  to  expect  that  an  elegant  speech  would 
have  any  considerable  effect  upon  them  ; still,  it  might 
be  useful  to  the  British,  as  it  bore  the  appearance  of 


334:  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

humanity,  and  might  tend  to  abate  the  reproaches 
with  which  their  conduct  was  loaded  in  every  part  of 
Europe,  for  calling  forth  the  savage  barbarities  at  all 
into  the  contest. 

The  command  of  the  Americans  in  the  northern  de- 
partment, had  been  assigned  to  Major-general  Schuy- 
ler.* It  was  foreseen  that  the  contest  would  be  carried 
on  in  the  northern  and  western  parts  of  the  state  of 
New  York  ; and  it  was  supposed  that  he  was  the  only 
man  who  would  have  influence  enough  to  keep  the 
inhabitants,  in  those  parts  of  the  state,  united  against 
the  enemy.  Four  days  before  Burgoyne  made  his 
speech  to  the  Indians,  Schuyler  arrived  at  Ticonde- 
roga,  but  did  not  find  either  the  garrison  or  the  works 
in  so  respectable  a condition  as  he  expected.  Most  of 
the  recruits  which  had  been  ordered  to  the  place,  had 
not  arrived ; but  little  had  been  done  to  repair  or 
strengthen  the  fortifications  ; and  General  St.  Clair, f 
who  had  commanded,  had  not,  and  did  not  dare  to 

* Philip  Schuyler  was  borrnat  Albany,  in  1731.  He  served  as  an  offi- 
cer in  the  French  war.  When  quite  young,  he  became  a member  of  the 
New -York  legislature,  and  was  eminent  for  his  intelligence  and  influ- 
ence. To  him  and  to  Governor  Clinton  it  was  chiefly  owing  that  the 
province  made  an  early  and  decided  resistance  to  those  measures  which 
terminated  in  the  independence  of  the  colonies.  In  1775  he  was  ap- 
pointed a major-general,  and  was  directed  to  proceed  immediately  from 
New  York  to  Ticonderoga,  to  secure  the  lakes  and  to  make  preparations 
for  entering  Canada.  Being  taken  sick,  the  command  devolved  on  Mont- 
gomery. On  his  recovery,  he  devoted  himself  zealously  to  the  manage- 
ment of  the  affairs  of  the  northern  department 

1 A rthur  St.  Clair  was  a soldier  from  his  youth.  At  an  early  age,  while 
the  independent  states  were  yet  British  colonies,  he  entered  the  royal 
Amen  can  army,  and  was  commissioned  as  an  ensign.  He  was  actively 
engaged,  during  the  French  war,  in  the  army  of  general  Wolfe,  and  waa 


bukgoyne’s  proclamation. 


335 


call  in  large  numbers  of  the  militia,  for  fear  his  pro- 
visions should  fail  before  the  arrival  of  a supply. 
Having  inspected  the  works,  Schuyler  left  the  command 
with  St.  Clair,  and  returned  to  Fort  Edward,  as  a 
more  central  situation. 

On  the  4th  of  July,  Burgoyne  issued  a proclamation, 
designed  to  spread  terror  among  the  Americans,  and 
affright  those  who  were  active  in  the  support  of  their 
cause.  The  number,  power,  and  cruelty  of  the  Indi- 
ans, was  represented  as  extremely  formidable  and 
threatening;  and  their  eagerness  to  be  let  loose  on 
their  prey,  was  described  with  uncommon  energy. 
The  accumulation  of  British  power,  wThich  was  now 
displayed  by.  land  and  by  sea,  was  declared  to  be 
ready  tp  embrace  or  to  crush  every  part  of  America. 
The  rebellion  in  the  colonies,  and  the  conduct  of 
their  present  rulers,  were  painted  in  the  most  dis- 
gusting and  awful  colors  ; and  their  leaders  were 
charged  with  repeated  acts  of  the  most  unparalleled 

carrying  a pair  of  colors,  in  the  battle  in  which  that  celebrated  com- 
mander was  slain,  on  the  Plains  of  Abraham.  He  was  highly  esteemed 
by  the  distinguished  commanders  under  whom  he  served,  as  a young 
officer  of  merit,  capable  of  obtaining  a high  grade  of  military  reputation. 
After  the  peace  of  *63,  he  sold  out  and  entered  into  trade,  for  which  the 
generosity  of  his  nature  utterly  disqualified  him  ; he,  of  course,  soon 
became  disgusted  with  a profitless  pursuit,  and  having  married,  after  sev- 
eral vicissitudes  of  fortune,  he  located  himself  in  Ligonier  valley,  west 
of  the  Alleghany  mountains,  and  near  the  old  route  from  Philadel- 
phia In  this  situation  the  American  Revolution  found  him,  surrounded 
by  a rising  family,  in  the  enjoyment  of  ease  and  independence,  with  the 
fairest  prospects  of  affluent  fortune,  the  foundation  of  which  had  been 
already  established  by  his  intelligence,  industry  and  enterprise.  From 
this  peaceful  abode,  these  sweet  domestic  enjoyments,  and  the  flattering 
prospects  which  accompanied  them,  he  was  drawn  by  the  claims  of  a 
troubled  country. 


15 


336  ETIIAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN -MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

injustice,  persecution  and  tyranny!  Encouragement 
and  employment  were  offered  to  those  who  should 
assist  the  British  king  in  redeeming  the  colonies  from 
the  oppressions  of  congress,  and  restoring  them  to  the 
blessings  of  British  liberty  and  government ! Protec- 
tion and  security,  but  not  very  explicitly  expressed, 
were  held  out  to  the  peaceable  and  industrious,  who 
should  remain  in  their  habitations.  And  all  the  ca- 
lamities and  horrors  of  war  were  denounced  to  those 
who  should  any  longer  dare  to  persevere  in  their  hos- 
tility to  the  British  king  and  army.  Nothing  had  ever 
appeared  in  America,  in  a style  so  pompous,  tumid 
and  bombastic.  Instead  of  producing  the  desired 
effect,  and  frightening  the  people  into  submission,  the 
proclamation  was  everywhere  the  subject  of  derision 
and  ridicule  ; and  treated  as  the  production  of  osten- 
tatious vanity,  insolence  and  folly,  not  at  all  calculated 
to  operate  on  the  hopes  or  the  fears  of  the  people  of 
the  United  States. 

Having  finished  his  speeches  and  proclamations,  the 
British  general  employed  himself  in  mor«  formidable 
operations.  After  a short  stay  at  Crown  Point,  Bur- 
goyne  moved  on  with  his  army  to  Ticonderoga.  The 
state  of  the  American  fort  and  garrison  at  that  place 
did  not  promise  a very  long  or  vigorous  defense.  The 
old  French  lines  had  indeed  been  strengthened  with 
additional  works  and  a block-house.  On  the  east- 
ern shore  of  the  lake,  and  opposite  to  Ticonderoga, 
the  Americans  had  taken  still  more  pains  in  fortifying 
a high  circular  hill,  to  which  they  had  given  the  name 
of  Mount  Independence.  On  the  summit  of  this  hill 
they  bad  erected  a star  fort,  enclosing  a large  square 


ARMY  AT  TICONDEROOa. 


337 


of  barracks,  well  fortified  and  surrounded  with  artillery. 
These  two  posts  were  joined  by  a bridge  thrown  across 
the  lake.  This  bridge  was  supported  by  twenty-two 
piers  of  very  large  timber,  placed  at  equal  distances  ; 
the  spaces  between  these  were  filled  with  separate 
floats,  each  about  fifty  feet  long,  and  twelve  wide, 
strongly  fastened  together  with  chains  and  rivets.  The 
north  6ide  of  the  bridge  was  defended  by  a boom  of 
very  large  pieces  of  timber,  fastened  together  by  riv- 
eted bolts  and  double  chains,  made  of  iron  an  inch  and 
a half  square. 

But  notwithstanding  the  apparent  strength  of  Ticon- 
deroga,  it  was  effectually  overlooked  and  commanded 
by  a neighboring  eminence  called  Sugar  Hill,  or  Mount 
Defiance.  This  mountain,  by  its  height  and  proximity, 
had  such  an  entire  command  both  of  Ticonderoga 
and  Mount  Independence,  that  an  enemy  might  from 
thence  have  counted  the  numbers,  and  enfiladed  every 
part  of  the  works,  in  either  of  those  places.  This  cir- 
cumstance was  well  known  to  the  American  officers, 
and  they  had  a consultation  about  fortifying  the  moun- 
tain ; but  it  was  declined,  because  their  works  were 
already  so  extensive,  that,  with  the  addition  of  what 
would  be  proper  on  Sugar  Hill,  they  would  require  ten 
or  twelve  thousand  men  for  their  defense  — a greater 
number  than  could  be  spared  for  that  purpose.  In 
6tead  of  a full  complement  of  troops  to  man  the 
extensive  lines  and  defend  the  numerous  works, 
the  whole  force  which  St.  Clair  had,  consisted  only 
of  two  thousand  five  hundred  continental  troops, 
aided  by  nine  hundred  militia,  badly  equipped,  worse 
armed,  and  most  of  them  without  bayonets.  St. 


S38  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN -MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

Clair  was  in  hopes  that  Burgoyne’s  impetuosity 
would  have  led  him  to  make  a sudden  assault  upon 
the  place,  which  he  expected  to  repel  with  success  ; 
but  as  soon  as  he  was  informed  of  the  numbers 
in  his  army,  and  that  a regular  siege  was  intended, 
he  was  convinced  that  an  effectual  defense  could 
not  be  made  by  his  troops. 

The  royal  army  advanced  with  great  celerity,  but 
with  much  caution  and  order,  on  both  sides  of  the 
lake,  the  naval  force  keeping  its  station  in  the  center. 
On  the  near  approach  of  the  right  wing  of  the  British 
army  on  the  Ticonderoga  side,  on  the  2d  of  July,  the 
Americans  abandoned  and  set  fire  to  their  works,  block- 
houses and  saw  mills,  toward  Lake  George  ; and  with 
out  making  any  opposition,  permitted  General  Phillips 
to  take  possession  of  Mount  Hope.  This  post  com- 
manded the  American  lines  in  a great  degree,  and  cut 
off  their  communication  with  Lake  George.  The  Amer- 
icans, on  this  occasion,  were  charged  with  supineness 
and  want  of  vigor.  Their  inactivity  arose  not  from 
want  of  courage,  but  from  lack  of  men  enough  to  make 
an  effectual  opposition  to  the  powerful  force  with 
which  they  were  surrounded. 

In  the  mean  time  the  royal  army  proceeded  with 
such  expedition  in  the  construction  of  their  works,  the 
bringing  up  of  artillery,  stores,  and  provisions,  and 
the  establishment  of  posts  and  communications,  that 
by  the  fifth,  matters  were  so  far  advanced  as  to  require 
but  one  or  two  days  more  to  completely  invest  the 
posts  on  both  sides  of  the  lake.  Sugar  Hill  had  alsc 
been  examined,  and  the  advantages  which  it  presented 
wrere  so  important  that  it  had  been  resolved  to 


EVACUATION  OF  TIOONDEROGA.  339 

' $ 

take  possession,  and  erect  a battery  there.  This 
work,  though  attended  with  extreme  labor  and  diffi- 
culty,  had  been  carried  on  by  General  Phillips,’  with 
much  expedition  and  success.  A road  had  been 
made  through  a very  rough  ground,  to  the  top  of 
the  mountain ; and  the  British  were  at  work  in  con- 
structing a level  for  a battery,  and  transporting  theii 
artillery.  As  soon  as  this  battery  should  be  ready  to 
play,  the  American  works  would  have  been  completely 
invested  on  every  side. 

In  these  circumstances  a council  of  war  was  called 
by  St.  Clair.  He  was  convinced  that  it  was  absolutely 
necessary  to  evacuate  the  place.  The  council  were  in- 
formed that  their  whole  effective  number  was  not  suffi- 
cient to  man  one  half  of  the  works ; that  as  the  whole 
must  be  constantly  upon  duty,  it  would  be  impossible 
for  them  to  support  the  fatigue  for  any  considerable 
length  of  time ; that  General  Schuyler,  who  was  at 
Fort  Edward,  had  not  sufficient  force  to  relieve  the 
garrison ; and  that  as  the  enemy’s  batteries  were 
nearly  ready  to  open,  and  the  place  would  be  com- 
pletely invested  in  twenty-four  hours,  nothing  could 
save  the  troops  but  an  immediate  evacuation  of  the 
posts.  The  general’s  representation  was  admitted  to 
be  correct,  and  it  was  unanimously  agreed  by  the  coun- 
cil to  abandon  the  fortress  that  night.  It  was  proposed 
that  the  baggage  of  the  army,  with  such  artillery, 
stores  and  provisions  as  the  necessity  of  the  occasion 
would  admit,  should  be  embarked  with  a strong  de- 
tachment, on  board  two  hundred  bateaux,  and  dis- 
patched under  convoy  of  five  armed  galleys,  up  the 
south  river  to  Skenesborough;  and  that  the  main  body 


340  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

of  the  army  should  proceed  by  land,  taking  its  route* 
on  the  road  to  Castleton,  which  was  about  thirty  miles 
to  the  south  of  Ticonderoga,  and  join  the  boats  and 
galleys  at  Skenesborough  falls.  It  was  thought  neces- 
sary to  keep  the  matter  a secret,  till  the  time  should 
arrive  when  it  was  to  be  executed.  The  English  had 
no  suspicion  of  what  was  passing,  and  the  march  com- 
menced under  the  most  favorable  auspices.  But  all  at 
once  a house  which  took  fire  on  Mount  Independence, 
roused  by  its  glare  of  light  the  attention  of  the  English, 
who  immediately  perceived  all  that  had  taken  place. 
The  Americans  finding  themselves  discovered,  marched 
hastily,  and  in  some  disorder,  as  far  as  Hubbard  ton, 
where  they  halted  to  refresh  themselves  and  rally 
the  dispersed.  But  the  English  were  not  idle.  Gen- 
eral Frazer,  at  the  head  of  a strong  detachment  of  gren- 
adiers and  light  troops,  commenced  an  eager  pursuit 
by  land,  upon  the  right  bank  of  Wood  Creek.  Gen- 
eral Beidesel,  behind  him,  rapidly  advanced  with  his 
Brunswickers,  either  to  support  the  English,  or  to  act 
separately,  as  occasion  might  require.  General  Bur- 
goyne  determined  to  pursue  the  Americans  by  water. 
But  it  was  first  necessary  to  destroy  the  boom  and 
bridge  which  had  been  constructed  in  front  of  Ticon- 
deroga. The  British  6eamen  and  artificers  immediately 
engaged  in  the  operation,  and  in  a short  time,  those 
works,  which  had  cost  so  much  labor  and  so  vast  an 
outlay,  were  cut  through  and  demolished.  The  pas- 
sage thus  cleared,  the  ships  of  Burgoyne  immediately 
proceeded  with  extreme  rapidity  in  search  of  the 
Americans ; all  was  in  movement  at  once  upon  land 
and  water.  By  three  in  the  afternoon,  the  van 


RETREAT  OF  THE  AMERICANS. 


341 


of  the  British  squadron,  composed  of  gun-boats,  came 
up  with  and  attacked  the  American  galleys,  near 
Skenesborough.  In  the  mean  time,  three  regiments, 
which  had  been  landed  at  South  Bay,  ascended  and 
passed  a mountain  with  great  expedition,  in  order  to 
cut  off  a retreat  to  Fort  Anne.  But  the  Americans  elu- 
ded this  stroke  by  the  rapidity  of  their  flight.  The  Brit- 
ish frigates  having  joined  the  van,  the  galleys,  already 
hard  pressed  by  the  gun-boats,  were  completely  over- 
powered. Two  of  them  surrendered;  three  were  blown 
up.  The  Americans  now  despaired  ; having  set  fire 
to  their  works,  mills,  and  bateaux,  and  otherwise  de- 
stroyed what  they  were  unable  to  burn,  they  escaped  as 
well  as  they  could,  without  halting  till  they  reached 
Fort  Anne.  Their  loss  was  considerable,  for  the  ba- 
teaux they  burnt  were  loaded  with  baggage,  provisions 
and  munitions,  as  necessary  to  their  sustenance  as  to 
military  operations.  The  corps  which  had  set  out  by 
land  were  in  no  better  situation.  The  vanguard,  con- 
ducted by  St.  Clair,  had  arrived  at  Castleton  ; the 
rear,  commanded  by  Colonels  Francis  and  Warner, 
had  rested  the  night  of  the  sixth,  at  Hubbardton,  six 
miles  below  Castleton. 

At  Hubbardton,  the  advanced  corps  of  the  British 
army  overtook  the  rear  of  the  American  troops,  on 
the  morning  of  the  7th  of  July.  The  American  army, 
all  but  part  of  three  regiments,  were  gone  forward ; 
these  were  part  of  Hale’s,  Francis’  and  Warner’s  regi- 
ments. The  enemy  attacked  them  with  superior  num- 
bers, and  tne  highest  prospect  of  success.  Francis  and 
Warner  opposed  them  with  great  spirit  and  vigor  ; 
and  no  officers  or  troops  could  have  discovered  more 


342  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNT  AIN  HEROES. 

courage  and  firmness  than  they  displayed  through  the 
whole  action.  Large  reinforcements  of  the  enemy  ar- 
riving, it  became  impossible  to  make  any  effectual 
opposition.  Francis  fell  in  a most  honorable  discharge 
of  his  duty.  Hale  surrendered  with  his  regiment. 
Surrounded  on  every  side  by  the  enemy,  but  calm  and 
undaunted,  Colonel  Warner  fought  his  way  through 
all  opposition,  brought  off  the  troops  that  refused  to 
capitulate  with  Hale,  checked  the  enemy  in  their  pur- 
suit, and  contrary  to  all  expectations,  arrived  safe  with 
his  troops  at  Manchester.  To  the  northward  of  that 
town  the  whole  country  was  deserted.  The  colonel 
determined  to  make  a stand  at  that  place ; encouraged 
by  his  example  and  firmness,  a body  of  the  militia 
soon  joined  him  ; and  he  was  once  more  in  a situation 
to  protect  the  inhabitants,  harass  the  enemy,  and 
break  up  their  advanced  parties. 

The  loss  of  the  royal  troops  in  dead  and  wounded 
amounted  to  about  one  hundred  and  eighty.  General 
St.  Clair,  upon  intelligence  of  this  discomfiture,  and 
that  of  the  disaster  at  Skenesborough,  which  was 
brought  him  at  the  same  time  by  an  officer  of  one  of 
the  galleys,  apprehending  that  he  should  be  inter- 
rupted if  he  proceeded  toward  Fort  Anne,  struck  into 
th-e  woods  on  the  left,  uncertain  whether  he  should 
repair  to  Massachusetts,  or  endeavor  to  reach  the 
army  at  Fort  Edward.  But  being  joined  two  days 
after,  at  Manchester,  by  the  remains  of  the  corps 
of  Colonel  Warner,  and  having  collected  the  fugitives, 
he  proceeded  to  Fort  Edward,  in  order  to  unite  with 
General  Schuyler. 

While  these  events  were  passing  on  the  left,  the 


BATTLE  AT  FORT  ANNE. 


343 


English  generals  resolved  to  drive  the  Americans  from 
Fort  Anne,  situated  higher  up  toward  the  sources  of 
Wood  Creek.  Colonel  Hill  was  detached  for  this  pur- 
pose from  Skenesborough;  and  to  facilitate  his  opera- 
tions, the  greatest  exertions  were  made  in  carrying 
bateaux  over  the  falls  at  that  place,  which  enabled 
him  to  attack  the  fort  by  water.  Upon  intelligence 
that  the  Americans  had  a numerous  garrison  there, 
Brigadier  Powell  was  sent  with  two  regiments  to 
the  succor  of  Colonel  Hill.  The  American  Colonel 
Long,  who,  with  a great  part  of  his  corps,  had  escaped 
the  destruction  of  the  boats  at  the  falls,  commanded 
the  garrison  of  Fort  Anne.  Having  heard  that  the 
enemy  was  approaching,  he  gallantly  sallied  out  to  re- 
ceive him.  The  English  defended  themselves  with 
courage,  but  the  Americans  had  already  nearly  sur- 
rounded them.  Colonel  Hill,  finding  himself  too  hard 
pressed,  endeavored  to  take  a stronger  position.  This 
movement  was  executed  with  as  much  order  as  intre- 
pidity, amidst  the  reiterated  and  furious  charge  of  the 
Americans.  The  combat  had  lasted  for  more  than  two 
hours,  and  victory  was  still  doubtful,  when  all  at  once 
the  Americans  heard  the  horrible  yells  of  the  sav- 
ages, who  approached,  and  being  informed  at  the 
same  instant  that  the  corps  of  Powell  was  about  to 
fall  upon  them,  they  retired  to  Fort  Anne.  Hot  think- 
ing themselves  in  safety  even  there,  they  set  it  on  fire, 
and  withdrew  to  Fort  Edward,  on  the  river  Hudson. 

General  Schuyler  was  already  in  this  place,  and 
St.  Clair  arrived  there  on  the  twelfth,  with  the  remains 
of  the  garrison  of  Ticonderoga.  It  would  be  difficult 
to  describe  the  hardships  and  misery  which  these  troops 
II* 


944  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

had  suffered,  from  the  badness  of  the  weather  and  the 
want  of  covering  and  provisions,  in  their  circuitous 
march  through  the  woods,  from  Oastleton  to  Fort  Ed- 
ward. After  the  arrival  of  these  troops,  and  of  the 
fugitives,  who  came  in  by  companies,  all  the  American 
troops  amounted  to  little  over  four  thousand  men,  in- 
cluding the  militia.  They  were  in  want  of  all  neces- 
saries, and  even  of  courage,  from  the  effect  of  their  re- 
cent reverses.  The  Americans  lost,  in  these  different 
actions,  no  less  than  one  hundred  and  twenty-eight 
pieces  of  artillery,  with  a prodigious  quantity  of  war- 
like stores,  baggage  and  provisions,  particularly  of 
flour,  which  they  left  in  Ticonderoga  and  Mount  In 
dependence.  To  increase  the  calamity,  the  whole  of 
the  neighboring  country  was  struck  with  terror  by  this 
torrent  of  disasters. 

During  the  reverses  of  the  American  army,  and  the 
triumphant  progress  of  Burgoyne,  the  consternation  of 
the  people  in  northern  New  York  and  on  the  New- 
Hampshire  Grants,  was  greatly  increased  by  the  nu- 
merous murders  and  cruelties  of  Burgoyne’s  Indian 
allies  — for  the  efforts  of  that  general  to  dissuade  them 
from  the  perpetration  of  their  cruel  enormities  were 
ineffectual.  Restrain  them  he  could  not ; and  it  was 
admitted  by  the  British  writers  of  that  day,  that  the 
friends  of  the  royal  cause,  as  well  as  its  enemies,  were 
equally  victims  to  their  indiscriminate  rage.  It  was 
even  ascertained  that  the  British  officers  were  deceived 
by  their  treacherous  allies  into  the  purchase  of  the 
scalps  of  their  own  comrades.  Among  other  instances 
of  cruelty,  the  well-known  murder  of  Miss  Jane 
M’Crea,  which  happened  in  the  early  part  of  the 


JENNY  M CREA. 


345 


campaign,  filled  the  public  mind  with  horror.  Every  cir- 
cumstance of  this  unnatural  and  bloody  transaction, 
around  which  there  lingers  a melancholy  interest  to 
this  day,  served  to  heighten  alike  its  interest  and  its 
enormity.*  Many  have  been  the  versions  of  this  bloody 
tale.  General  Gates,  who  had  been  most  unjustly  di- 
rected to  supersede  General  Schuyler  in  the  northern 
department,  assailed  General  Burgoyne  with  great 

* The  tragic  fate  of  Miss  M’Crea  forms  a prominent  feature  in  the 
brilliant  tale,  entitled,  “ The  Rangers,”  by  the  novelist  of  the  Green 
Mountains,  Hon.  Daniel  P.  Thompson.  The  facts  in  regard  to  her  mur- 
der, stripped  of  their  romance,  are  these  : — She  belonged  to  a family  of 
tories,  and  had  engaged  herself  in  marriage  to  a young  refugee,  named 
Jones,  a lieutenant  in  the  British  service,  who  was  advancing  with  Bur- 
goyne. When  the  people  fled  before  the  victorious  Briton,  she  remained 
behind  with  some  friends,  in  the  expectation  of  meeting  her  lover.  A 
party  of  Indians  in  advance  of  the  army,  seeking  for  plunder,  took  her 
a prisoner  and  retired  toward  the  British  camp.  When  they  reached 
the  army,  Miss  M’Crea  was  not  with  them,  but  they  bore  a scalp  which 
was  recognized  to  be  hern.  Whether  they  quarreled  about  the  division 
of  the  reward  they  were  accustomed  to  receive  for  their  prisoner,  or 
whether,  as  they  averred,  she  was  shot  by  a party  of  Americans  in  pur- 
suit of  them,  cannot  now  be  known.  Her  mutilated  corpse  was  after- 
ward found  under  a pine  tree  near  a spring,  and  the  tree . and  spring 
were  afterward  known  by  her  name.  It  was  known  in  the  camp,  that 
Lieutenant  Jones  was  betrothed  to  Jenny,  and  the  story  got  abroad  that 
he  had  sent  the  Indians  for  her  ; that  they  had  quarreled  with  another 
party,  which  they  met  on  their  return,  respecting  the  reward  he  had 
offered,  and  murdered  her  to  settle  the  dispute.  Receiving  high  touches 
of  coloring,  as  it  went  from  one  narrator  to  another,  the  sad  stoiy  pro- 
duced a deep  and  wide-spread  indignation.  Jones,  chilled  with  horror 
and  broken  in  spirit  by  the  event,  tendered  a resignation  of  his  commis- 
sion, but  it  was  refused.  He  purchased  the  scalp  of  his  Jenny,  and  with 
this  cherished  memento,  deserted  and  retired  to  Canada.  There  he 
lived  to  be  an  old  man,  and  died  only  a few  years  ago.  The  death  of 
Jenny  was  a heavy  blow,  and  he  never  recovered  from  it.  In  youth  he 
was  exceedingly  gay  and  garrulous ; but  after  that  melancholy  event,  ha 


346  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

violence  upon  the  subject  of  these  outrages — charging 
him  with  encouraging  the  murder  of  prisoners,  and  the 
massacre  of  women  and  children,  by  paying  the  In- 
dians a stipulated  price  for  scalps.  Burgoyne  indig- 
nantly denied  the  charge  of  encouraging  the  Indians, 
although  he  could  not  but  admit  the  horrible  extent  of 
their  barbarities  among  unarmed  and  inoffensive  in- 
habitants. “ I would  not,”  he  said  in  reply  to  General 
Gates,  “be  conscious  of  the  acts  you  presume  to  im- 
pute to  me,  for  the  whole  continent  of  America,  though 
the  wealth  of  worlds  was  in  its  bowels,  and  a paradise 
upon  its  surface.” 

The  retreat  of  the  American  army  from  Ticonderoga, 
on  the  approach  of  Burgoyne,  while  it  filled  the’public 
mind  with  dismay,  as  the  surrender  of  a position  on 
which  the  safety  of  the  north  depended,  was  regarded 
with  gloomy  apprehension,  as  the  prelude  to  further 
reverses.  The  mind  of  Washington,  however,  by  a 
happy  forecast,  perceived  a gleam  of  hope,  even  in  this 
hour  of  despondency ; and  with  a sort  of  prophetic 
skill,  seems  to  have  foretold,  with  extraordinary  pre- 
cision, the  auspicious  change  of  affairs  which  was  ii 
store.  In  reply  to  a letter  of  General  Schuyler,  of  the 
17th  of  July,  communicating  the  unfavorable  state  and 
prospects  of  the  army,  he  says : “ Though  our  affairs 
have,  for  some  days  past,  worn  a gloomy  aspect,  yet  I 
look  forward  to  a happy  change.  I trust  General 

was  sad  and  taciturn.  He  never  married,  and  shunned  society  as  much 
as  business  would  permit.  Toward  the  close  of  July  in  every  year, 
when  the  anniversary  of  the  tragedy  approached,  he  would  shut  himself 
in  his  room,  and  refuse  to  speak  with  any  one.  His  friends  avoided  any 
reference  to  the  Revolution  in  his  p -esenoe.  [See  page  428  ] 


347 


buegoyne’s  aemy. 

Burgoyne’s  army  will  meet,  sooner  or  later,  an  effectual 
check ; and,  as  I suggested  before,  that  the  success  he 
has  had  will  precipitate  his  ruin.  From  your  accounts, 
he  appears  to  be  pursuing  that  line  of  conduct,  which, 
of  all  others,  is  most  favorable  to  us,  I mean  acting  in 
detachment.  This  conduct  will  certainly  give  room  for 
enterprise  on  our  part,  and  expose  his  parties  to  great 
hazard.  Could  we  be  so  happy  as  to  cut  one  of  them 
off,  though  it  should  not  exceed  four,  five,  or  six  hund- 
red men,  it  would  inspire  the  people  and  do  away  much 
of  their  present  anxiety.  In  such  an  event  they  would 
lose  sight  of  past  misfortune,  and,  urged  at  the  same 
time  by  a regard  for  their  own  security,  they  would  fly 
to  arms  and  afford  every  aid  in  their  power.” 

It  must  be  confessed  that  it  required  no  ordinary 
share  of  fortitude  to  find  topics  of  consolation  in  the 
present  state  of  affairs.  The  British  were  advancing 
with  a well-appointed  army  into  the  heart  of  the  coun- 
try, under  the  conduct,  as  it  was  supposed,  of  the  most 
skillful  officers,  confident  of  success,  and  selected  to 
finish  the  war.  The  army  consisted  in  part  of  German 
troops,  veterans  of  the  Seven  Years’  War,  under  the 
command  of  a general  of  experience,  conduct,  and 
valor.  Nothing  could  have  been  more  ample  than  the 
military  supplies,  the  artillery,  munitions,  and  stores, 
with  which  the  army  was  provided.  A considerable 
force  of  Canadians  and  American  loyalists  furnished 
the  requisite  spies,  scouts,  and  rangers  ; and  a numer- 
ous force  of  savages  in  their  war-dresses,  with  their1 
peculiar  weapons  and  native  ferocity,  increased  the 
terrors  of  its  approach. 

On  the  evacuation  of  Ticonderoga,  and  the  furthei 


34:8  ETIIAN  ALLEN  AND  GEEEN-MOUN T AI N HEEOES. 

advance  of  such  an  army,  the  New-England  states,  and 
particularly  New  Hampshire  and  Massachusetts,  were 
filled  with  alarm.  It  was  felt  that  their  frontier  was 
uncovered,  and  that  strenuous  and  extraordinary  efforts 
for  the  protection  of  the  country  were  required.  The 
committee  of  safety  of  what  was  then  called  the  New- 
Hampshire  Grants,  (the  present  state  of  Vermont,) 
wrote  in  the  most  pressing  terms  to  the  New-Hamp- 
shire  committee  of  safety  at  Exeter,  apprising  them, 
that,  if  assistance  should  not  be  sent  to  them,  they 
should  be  forced  to  abandon  the  country,  and  take  ref- 
uge east  of  the  Connecticut  river.  When  these  tidings 
reached  Exeter,  the  assembly  had  finished  their  spring 
session  and  had  gone  home.  A summons  from  the 
committee  brought  them  together  again,  and  in  three 
days  they  took  the  most  effectual  and  decisive  steps  for 
the  defense  of  the  country.  Among  the  patriotic  mem- 
bers of  the  assembly,  who  signalized  themselves  on 
this  occasion,  none  was  more  conspicuous  than  John 
Langdon.  The  members  of  that  body  were  greatly 
inclined  to  despond  ; the  public  credit  was  exhausted  ; 
and  there  were  no  means  of  supporting  troops,  if  they 
could  be  raised.  Meantime  the  defenses  of  the  frontier 
had  fallen,  and  the  enemy,  with  overwhelming  forces, 
was  penetrating  into  the  country.  At  this  gloomy 
juncture,  John  Langdon,  a merchant  of  Portsmouth, 
and  speaker  of  the  assembly,  thus  addressed  its  mem- 
bers : — “I  have  three  thousand  dollars  in  hard  money  ; 
I will  pledge  my  plate  for  three  thousand  more  ; I have 
seventy  hogsheads  of  Tobago  rum,  which  shall  be  sold 
for  the  most  it  will  bring.  These  are  at  the  service  of 
the  state.  If  we  succeed  in  defending  our  fire-sides 


GENERAL  STARK. 


349 


and  homes,  I may  be  remunerated  ; if  we  do  not,  the 
property  will  be  of  no  value  to  me.  Our  old  friend 
Stark,  who  so  nobly  maintained  the  honor  of  our  state 
at  Bunker  Hill,  may  be  safely  intrusted  with  the  con- 
duct of  the  enterprise,  and  we  will  check  the  progress 
of  Burgoyne.” 

This  proposal  infused  life  into  the  measures  of  the 
assembly.  They  formed  the  whole  militia  of  the  state 
into  two  brigades.  Of  the  first  they  gave  the  command 
to  William  Whipple,  of  the  second  to  John  Stark.* 

* The  exploit?  of  Stark  in  the  vicinity  of  Lake  Champlain,  in  the  last 
French  war,  have  already  been  mentioned  in  these  pages.  At  the  close 
of  the  peace  of  1763,  he  had  returned  to  his  farm  in  New  Hampshire, 
where  he  resided  until  the  opening  of  the  Revolution.  When  the  report 
of  the  battle  of  Lexington  reached  him,  he  was  engaged  at  work  in  his 
saw-mill : fired  with  indignation  and  a martial  spirit,  he  immediately 
seized  his  musket,  and  with  a band  of  heroes  proceeded  to  Cambridge. 
The  morning  after  his  arrival,  he  received  a colonel’s  commission,  and 
availing  himself  of  his  own  popularity  and  the  enthusiasm  of  the  day, 
in  two  hours  he  enlisted  eight  hundred  men.  On  the  memorable  17th 
of  June,  at  Breed’s  hill,  Colonel  Stark,  at  the  head  of  his  backwoodsmen 
of  New  Hampshire,  poured  on  the  enemy  that  deadly  fire  from  a sum 
aim,  which  effected  such  remarkable  destruction  in  their  ranks,  and  com- 
pelled them  twice  to  retreat.  During  the  whole  of  this  dreadful  conflict. 
Colonel  Stark  evinced  that  consummate  bravery  and  intrepid  zeal,  which 
entitle  his  name  to  perpetual  remembrance.  After  the  British  evacuated 
Boston,  Stark  joined  our  northern  army  while  retreating  from  Canada, 
and  in  1776,  he  had  command  of  the  troops  employed  in  fortifying  the 
hill  on  the  east  side  of  Lake  Champlain,  opposite  Ticonderoga.  On  tho 
8th  of  July,  the  Declaration  of  Independence  was  received  and  proclaimed 
to  the  aimy,  who  hailed  it  with  shouts  of  applause.  The  hill  upon  which 
the  regiment  of  Stark  was  stationed,  was  named  Mount  Independence 
in  honor  of  the  event  which  had  just  been  proclaimed.  Soon  after,  Stark 
joined  General  Washington,  and  was  with  him  during  that  dark  period 
when  he  fled  before  a haughty  army  through  New  Jersey.  In  the  spring 
of  1777,  he  returned  to  New  Hampshire  on  a recruiting  expedition 


350  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

They  ordered  one  fourth  part  of  Stark’s  brigade  and  one 
fourth  of  three  regiments  of  Whipple’s  to  march  imme- 
diately under  the  command  of  Stark,  “ to  stop  the 
progress  of  the  enemy  on  our  western  frontiers.” 
Agreeably  to  his  orders,  Stark  proceeded  to  Charles- 
ton ; his  men  very  readily  followed ; and  as  fast  as 
they  arrived,  he  sent  them  forward  to  join  the  troops 
under  Colonel  Warner,  at  Manchester.  At  that  placo 
he  joined  Warner  with  about  eight  hundred  men. 
Schuyler  repeatedly  urged  Stark  to  join  the  troops 
under  his  command  ; but  he  declined  complying.  He 
was  led  to  this  conduct  not  only  by  the  reasons  which 
have  been  mentioned,  but  by  a difference  of  opinion 
as  to  the  best  method  of  opposing  Burgoyne.  Schuyler 
wished  to  collect  all  the  American  troops  in  the  front, 
to  prevent  Burgoyne  from  marching  on  to  Albany. 
Stark  was  of  opinion  that  the  surest  way  to  check 
Burgoyne  was  to  have  a body  of  men  on  his  rear, 
ready  to  fall  upon  him  in  that  quarter,  whenever  a 
favorable  opportunity  should  be  presented.  The  New- 
England  militia  had  not  formed  a high  opinion  of 

Having  filled  his  regiment,  and  while  waiting  orders,  he  learned  that 
several  junior  officers  had  been  promoted  by  congress,  while  he  was  left 
out  of  the  list  Feeling  greatly  aggrieved,  he  resigned  his  commission 
and  left  the  army,  not,  however,  to  desert  his  country  in  the  hour  of  peril, 
for,  like  General  Schuyler,  he  was  active  for  good  while  diverted  of  mil- 
itary authority.  He  was  very  popular,  and  the  assembly  of  New  Hamp- 
shire regarded  him  as  a pillar  of  strength  in  upholding  the  confidence 
and  courage  of  the  militia  of  the  state.  When  that  body  offered  him  the 
command  of  the  new  recruits,  laying  aside  his  private  griefs,  he  once 
more  hastened  to  the  field,  stipulating,  however,  that  he  should  not  be 
obliged  to  join  the  main  army,  but  hang  upon  the  wing  of  the  enemy, 
strike  when  opportunity  should  offer,  according  to  his  own  discretion, 
and  be  accountable  to  no  one  but  the  assembly  of  New  Hampshire. 


ADVANCE  OF  BURGOYNE. 


351 


Schuyler  as  a general ; and  Stark  meant  to  keep  him- 
self in  a situation  in  which  he  might  embrace  any 
favorable  opportunity  for  action,  either  in  conjunction 
with  him,  or  otherwise  ; Stark  assured  Schuyler  that 
he  would  yield  to  any  measure  necessary  to  promote 
the  public  good,  but  wished  to  avoid  a course  that  was 
not  consistent  with  his  own  honor ; and  if  it  was 
thought  necessary,  he  would  march  to  his  camp.  He 
wrote  particularly,  that  he  would  lay  aside  all  private 
resentment,  when  it  appeared  in  opposition  to  the 
public  good.  But  in  the  midst  of  these  protestations, 
he  was  watching  for  an  opportunity  to  evince  his 
courage  and  patriotism,  by  falling  upon  some  part  of 
Burgoyne’s  army. 

While  the  American  army  was  thus  assuming  a more 
respectable  appearance,  General  Burgoyne  was  making 
very  slow  advances  toward  Albany.  From  the  28th 
of  July,  to  the  15th  of  August,  the  British  army  was 
continually  employed  in  bringing  forward  bateaux, 
provisions,  and  ammunition  from  Fort  George  to  the 
nearest  navigable  part  of  Hudson  river  ; a distance  of 
not  more  than  eighteen  miles.  The  labor  was  excessive; 
the  Europeans  were  but  little  acquainted  with  th.e 
methods  of  performing  it  to  advantage,  and  the  effect 
was  in  no  degree  equivalent  to  the  expense  of  labor  and 
time.  With  all  the  efforts  that  Burgoyne  could  make, 
encumbered  with  his  artillery  and  baggage,  his  labors 
were  inadequate  to  the  purpose  of  supplying  the  army 
with  provisions  for  its  daily  consumption,  and  the  es 
tablishment  of  the  necessary  magazines.  And  after 
his  utmost  exertions  for  fifteen  days,  there  were  not 
above  four  days’  provisions  in  store,  nor  above  ten 


352*  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

bateaux  in  the  Hudson  river.  More  effective  measures 
to  replenish  his  stores  seemed  necessary.  Informed 
that  the  Americans  had  a large  quantity  of  these,  and 
of  cattle  and  horses  at  Bennington  and  in  the  vicinity, 
he  resolved  to  send  a detachment  of  his  army  thither 
to  capture  them.  Both  Philips  and  Keidesel,  the  most 
experienced  of  his  generals,  were  opposed  to  the  meas- 
ure ; but  Burgoyne,  actuated  by  an  overweening  con- 
fidence in  his  strength,  and  deceived  as  to  the  extent 
of  the  royalist  party  in  the  colonies,  dispatched 
Lieutenant-colonel  Baum  thither  with  five  hundred 
Hessians,  Canadians  and  tories,  and  one  hundred 
Indians.  Burgoyne’s  instructions  to  the  commander 
of  the  expedition,  dated  August  9th,  1777,  declared 
the  objects  to  be  to  try  the  affections  of  the  country, 
to  disconcert  the  councils  of  the  enemy,  to  mount 
Reidesel’s  dragoons,  to  complete  Peters’  corps  [of  loy- 
alists,] and  to  obtain  large  supplies  of  cattle,  horses  and 
carriages.  Baum  was  directed  “ to  scour  the  country 
from  Kockingham  to  Otter  creek,”  to  go  down  Con 
necticut  river  as  far  as  Brattleborough,  and  to  return 
by  the  great  road  to  Albany,  there  to  meet  General 
Burgoyne,  and  to  endeavor  to  make  the  country  believe 
his  corps  was  the  advanced  body  of  the  general’s  army, 
who  was  to  cross  Connecticut  river,  and  proceed  to 
Boston.  He  ordered  “ that  all  officers,  civil  and  mili- 
tary, acting  under  the  congress,  should  be  made  pris- 
oners.” Baum  was  also  instructed  “ to  tax  the  towns 
where  they  halted  with  such  articles  as  they  wanted, 
and  take  hostages  for  the  performance,  &c. ; to  bring 
all  horses  fit  to  mount  the  dragoons  to  serve  as  battalion 
horses  for  the  troops,  with  as  many  saddles  and  bridles 


SKIRMISHING. 


353 


as  could  be  found.”  Burgoyne  stipulated  the  number 
of  horses  to  be  brought  at  thirteen  hundred  at  least, 
and  more  if  they  could  be  obtained,  and  directed  them 
to  be  “tied  in  strings  of  ten  each,  in  order  that  one 
man  might  lead  ten  horses.” 

On  the  13th  of  August,  information  reached  General 
Stark,  that  a party  of  Indians  attached  to  Baum’s  force 
had  been  perceived  at  Cambridge,  about  twelve  miles 
north-west  from  Bennington.  He  immediately  de- 
tached Lieutenant-colonel  Gregg  with  two  hundred 
men,  to  stop  their  march.  In  the  course  of  the  night, 
he  was  advised  by  express,  that  a large  body  of  the 
enemy,  with  a train  of  artillery,  was  in  the  rear  of  the 
Indians,  in  full  march  for  Bennington.  He  immedi- 
ately rallied  his  brigade,  with  all  the  militia  which  had 
collected  at . Bennington.  Orders  were  at  the  same 
time  dispatched  to  the  officer  in  command  of  Colonel 
Warner’s  regiment  at  Manchester,  to  march  that  body 
of  men  down  to  Bennington,  and  an  animated  call 
was  made  upon  all  the  neighboring  militia.  These 
various  dispositions  were  carried  promptly  into  effect. 

On  the  morning  of  the  14th,  Stark  moved  forward 
to  the  support  of  Colonel  Gregg  with  the  entire  force 
under  his  command.  At  the  distance  of  four  or  five 
miles,  he  met  the  colonel  in  full  retreat,  and  the  enemy 
within  a mile  of  him.  Stark  instantly  halted,  and 
drew  up  his  men  in  order  of  battle.  The  enemy,  per- 
ceiving that  he  had  taken  a stand,  immediately  came 
to  a halt  on  very  advantageous  ground,  and  there  in- 
trenched themselves.  Unable  to  draw  them  from  their 
position,  he  fell  back  for  a mile,  leaving  only  a small 
party  to  skirmish  with  the  enemy.  This  was  done 


354:  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTATN  HER0E8. 

with  considerable  effect.  Thirty  of  their  force,  with 
two  Indian  chiefs,  w£re  killed  or  wounded,  without 
any  loss  on  the  American  side. 

The  following  day,  the  15th,  was  rainy,  and  nothing 
was  attempted  beyond  skirmishing  with  the  enemy. 
This  was  done  with  spirit,  and  the  Indians  began  to 
desert  the  army  of  Colonel  Baum,  “ because,”  as  they 
said,  “the  woods  were  filled  with  Yankees.”  This  res- 
pite enabled  the  enemy  to  complete  their  breastworks, 
to  apprise  General  Burgoyne  of  their  situation,  and  to 
ask  for  reinforcements.  Colonel  Breyman,  with  an 
additional  body  of  German  troops,  was  immediately 
detached  to  the  assistance  of  Baum. 

During  the  night,  Colonel  Symonds,  with  a body  o 
Berkshire  militia,  arrived.  Among  them  was  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Allen,  of  Pittsfield,  whose  bellicose  ardor  was  of 
the  most  glowing  kind.  Before  daylight,  and  while 
the  rain  was  yet  falling,  the  impatient  shepherd,  who 
had  many  of  his  flock  with  him,  went  to  Stark,  and 
said,  “ General,  the^  people  of  Berkshire  have  often 
been  summoned  to  the  field  without  being  allowed  to 
fight,  and,  if  you  do  not  now  give  them  a chance,  they 
have  resolved  never  to  come  out  again.”  “ Well,”  said 
Stark,  “ do  you  wish  to  march  now,  while  it  is  dark 
and  raining?”  “No,  not  just  this  moment,”  replied 
the  minister  of  peace.  “Then,”  said  the  general,  “if 
the  Lord  shall  once  more  give  us  sunshine,  and  I do 
not  give  you  fighting  enough,  I’ll  never  ask  you  to 
come  out  again.”  Sunshiqe  did  indeed  come  with  the 
morrow,  for  at  the  opening  of  the  dawn,  the  clouds 
broke  away,  and  soon  all  nature  lay  smiling  in  the 
sunlight  of  a clear  August  morning;  and  “fighting 


THE  WARLIKE  PARSON. 


355 


enough”  was  also  given  to  the  parson  and  his  men,  for 
it  was  a day  of  fierce  conflict.  Mr.  Allen  was  not  the 
man  to  shrink  from  that  bloody  affray.  He  had  ar- 
dently espoused  the  cause  of  freedom,  and  when,  in 
anticipation  of  a battle  at  Bennington,  the  neighboring 
country  was  roused  to  arms,  he  used  his  influence  to 
increase  the  band  of  patriots,  and  urged  his  congrega- 
tion to  hasten  to  the  service  of  their  country.  But 
the  company  which  was  raised  in  his  parish  were,  from 
some  cause,  retarded  in  their  progress.  Hearing  of 
the  delay,  he  proceeded  immediately  to  join  them,  and 
accompanied  them  to  Bennington.  On  the  morning 
of  the  battle,  his  men  would  not  prepare  for  the  en- 
gagement until  he  had  prayed  to  the  God  of  armies 
“ to  teach  their  hands  to  war  and  their  fingers  to  fight.” 
When  the  opposing  forces  were  about  advancing 
toward  each  other,  Mr.  Allen,  insensible  to  fear,  pro-* 
ceeded  so  near  to  the  British  troops,  that  he  could  be 
distinctly  seen  and  heard,  and  then  called  upon  the 
enemy  to  prevent  the  effusion  of  blood  by  laying  down 
their  arms ! He  was  answered  by  a discharge  of  mus- 
ketry, and  the  log  upon  which  he  stood  was  pierced 
with  bullets.  Turning  calmly  to  a ffiend  who  had  fol- 
lowed him  under  cover  of  the  breastwork  formed  by 
the  log,  he  said,  “How  give  me  a gun ! ” and  he  delib- 
erately fired  the  first  gun  from  the  American  ranks  on 
that  memorable  occasion. 

On  the  morning  of  the  16th,  Stark  made  prepara- 
tions for  an  attack.  The  German  mercenaries,  with 
their  battery,  were  advantageously  posted  upon  a rising 
ground  at  a bend  in  the  Walloomscoick  (a  branch  of  the 
Hoosac)  or.  its  north  bank.  The  ground  fell  off  to  the 


356  ETHAN.  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNT ATN  HEROES. 

north  and  west,  a circumstance  of  which  Stark  skillfully 
took  advantage.  Peters’  corps  of  tories  were  in- 
trenched on  the  other  side  of  the  stream,  in  lower 
ground,  and  nearly  in  front  of  the  German  battery. 
The  little  river  that  meanders  through  the  scene  of  the 
action,  is  fordable  in  all  places.  Stark  was  encamped 
upon  the  same  side  of  it  as  the  Germans,  but,  owing 
to  its  serpentine  course,  it  crossed  his  line  of  march 
twice  on  his  way  to  their  position.  Their  post  was 
carefully  reconnoitered  at  a mile’s  distance,*  and  tho 
plan  of  attack  was  arranged  in  the  following  manner  : 
Colonel  Nichols,  with  two  hundred  men,  was  detached 
to  attack  the  rear  of  the  enemy’s  left,  and  Colonel  Her- 
rick, with  three  hundred  men,  to  fall  upon  the  rear  of 
their  right,  with  orders  to  form  a junction  before  they 
made  the  assault.  Colonels  Hubbard  and  Stickney 
Were  also  ordered  to  advance  with  two  hundred  men 
on  their  right  and  one  hundred  in  front,  to  divert  their 
attention  from  the  real  point  of  attack.  The  action 
commenced  at  three  o’clock  in  the  afternoon  on  the  rear 
of  the  enemy’s  left,  when  Colonel  Nichols,  with  great 
precision,  carried  into  effect  the  dispositions  of  the 
commander.  His  example  was  followed  by  every  other 
portion  of  the  little  army.  General  Stark  himself 
moved  forward  slowly  in  front,  till  he  neard  the  sound 
of  the  guns  from  Colonel  Nichols’  party,  when  he 

* Before  the  commencement  of  the  battle,  Stark  rode  forward  with 
Warner,  to  reconnoiter  the  enemy,  and  was  fired  at  by  a cannon.  Stark 
exclaimed:  “Those  rascals  know  I am  an  officer;  do  n’t  you  see  they 
honor  me  with  a big  gun  as  a salute  ?”  His  well  known  speech  to  his  men 
was  characteristic  : “ Boys,  those  are  your  enemies,  the  red -coats  and  to- 
ries ! We  must  conquer  them,  or  to-night  Molly  Stark  will  be  a widow!” 


BATTLE  OF  BENNINGTON. 


rushed  upon  the  tories,  and  in  a few  moments  the 
action  became  general.  “ It  lasted,”  says  Stark,  in  his 
official  report,  “ two  hours,  and  was  the  hottest  I ever 
saw.  It  was  like  one  continued  clap  of  thunder.”* 

*A  soldier  who  was  in  the  battle  gave  the  following  interesting 
account  of  it  to  the  Rev.  James  Davie  Butler : “We  were  marched  round 
and  round  a circular  hill  till  we  were  tired.  Stark  said  it  was  to  amuse 
the  Germans.  All  the  while  a cannonade  was  kept  up  upon  us  from  their 
breastwork.  It  hurt  nobody,  and  it  lessened  our  fear  of  the  great  guns. 
After  a while  I was  sent,  with  twelve  others,  to  lie  in  ambush  on  a knoll 
a little  north,  and  watch  for  tories  on  their  way  to  join  Baum.  Presently 
we  saw  six  coming  toward  us,  who,  mistaking  us  for  tories,  came  too 
near  us  to  escape.  We  disarmed  them  and  sent  them,  under  a gjuard  of 
three,  to  Stark.  While  I sat  on  the  hillock,  I espied  one  Indian  whom 
I thought  I could  kill,  and  more  than  once  cocked  my  gun,  but  the 
orders  were  not  to  fire.  He  was  cooking  his  dinner,  and  now  and  then 
shot  at  some  of  our  people. 

“ Between  two  and  three  o’clock  the  battle  began.  The  Germans  fired 
by  platoons,  and  were  soon  hidden  by  smoke.  Our  men  fired  each  on 
his  own  hook,  aiming  wherever  they  saw  a flash.  Few  on  our  side  had 
either  bayonets  or  cartridges.  At  last  I stole  away  from  my  post,  and 
ran  down  to  the  battle.  The  first  time  I fired  I put  three  balls  into  my 
gun.  Before  I had  time  to  fire  many  rounds,  our  men  rushed  over  the 
breastwork,  but  I and  many  others  chased  straggling  Hessians  in  the 
woods.  We  pursued  till  we  met  Breyman  with  eight  hundred  fresh 
troops  and  larger  cannon,  which  opened  a fire  of  grape-shot.  Some  of 
the  grape-shot  riddled  a Virginia  fence  near  me : one  struck  a small  white 
oak  tree  behind  which  I stood.  Though  it  hit  higher  than  my  head,  I 
fled  from  the  tree,  thinking  it  might  be  aimed  at  again.  We  skirmishers 
ran  back  till  we  met  a large  body  of*  Stark’s  men,  then  faced  about.  I 
soon  started  for  a brook  I saw  a few  rods  behind,  for  I had  drank  nothing 
all  day,  and  should  have  died  with  thirst  had  I not  chewed  a bullet  all 
the  time.  I had  not  gone  a rod  when  I was  stopped  by  an  officer,  sword 
in  hand,  and  ready  to  cut  me  down  as  a runaway.  On  my  complaining 
of  thirst,  he  handed  me  his  canteen,  which  was  full  of  rum.  I drank 
and  forgot  my  thirst. 

“ But  the  enemy  outflanked  us,  and  I said  to  a comrade : ' We  must  run 
or  they  will  have  us.'  He  said  : ‘I  will  have  one  more  fire  first’  At 


358  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 


The  Indians,  alarmed  at  the  prospect  of  being  inclosed 
between  the  parties  of  Nichols  and  Herrick,  fled  at 
the  commencement  of  the  action,  their  main  principle 
of  battle  array  being  to  contrive  or  to  escape  an  am- 

that  moment  a major  on  a black  horse  rode  along  behind  us,  shouting  : 
* Fight  on,  boys  ; reinforcements  cloee  by.*  While  he  was  yet  speaking, 
a grape-shot  went  through  his  horse’s  head  and  knocked  out  two  teeth. 
It  bled  a good  deal,  but  the  major  kept  his  seat  and  spurred  on  to  en- 
courage others.  In  five  minutes  we  saw  Warner’s  men  hurrying  to  help 
us.  They  opened  right  and  left  of  us,  and  half  of  them  attacked  each  flank 
of  the  enemy,  and  beat  back  those  who  were  just  closing  around  us. 
Stark’s  men  now  took  heart  and  stood  their  ground.  My  gun-barrel  was 
by  this  time  too  hot  to  hold,  so  I seized  the  musket  of  a dead  Hessian, 
in  which  my  bullets  went  down  easier  than  in  my  own.  Right  in  front 
were  the  cannon,  and  seeing  an  officer  on  horseback  waving  his  sword  to 
the  artillerymen,  I fired  at  him  twice.  His  horse  fell.  He  cut  the  traces 
of  an  artillery  horse,  mounted  him  and  rode  off.  I afterward  heard 
that  that  officer  was  Major  Skene. 

“ Soon  the  Germans  ran  and  we  followed.  Many  of  them  threw  down 
their  guns  on  the  ground,  or  offered  them  to  us,  or  kneeled,  some  in  pud- 
dles of  water.  One  said  to  me:  loir  sind  ein,  bruder l I pushed  hirr 
behind  me  and  rushed  on.  All  those  near  me  did  so.  The  enemy  bea; 
a parley,  minded  to  give  up,  but  our  men  did  not  understand  it  I came 
to  one  wounded  man,  flat  on  the  ground,  crying  water  or  quarter.  I 
snatched  his  sword  out  of  his  scabbard,  and,  while  I ran  on  and  fired, 
carried  it  in  my  mouth,  thinking  I might  need  it.  The  Germans  fled  by 
the  road  and  in  a wood  each  side  of  it  Many  of  their  scabbards  caught 
in  the  brush  and  held  the  fugitives  till  we  seized  them.  We  chased 
them  till  dark.  Colonel  Johnston,  of  Haverhill,  wanted  to  chase  them 
all  night  Had  we  done  so,  we  might  have  mastered  them  all,  for  they 
stopped  within  three  miles  of  the  battle-field.  But  Stark,  saying  he 
would  run  no  risk  of  spoiling  a good  day’s  work,  ordered  a halt  and 
return  to  quarters. 

“I  was  coming  back,  when  ordered  by  Stark  himself,  who  knew 
me,  as  I had  been  one  of  his  body-guard  in  Canada,  to  help  draw  off  a 
field-piece.  I told  him  I was  worn  out.  His  answer  was:  ‘ Do  n’t  seem 
to  disobey;  take  hold,  and  if  you  can’t  hold  out,  slip  away  in  the  dark.’ 
Before  we  had  dragged  the  gun  far.  Warner  rode  near  us.  Some  one. 


BATTLE  OF  BENNINGTON. 


359 


bush  or  an  attack  in  the  rear.  The  tories  were  soon 
driven  over  the  river,  and  were  thus  thrown  in  con- 
fusion on  the  Germans,  who  were  forced  from  their 
breastwork.  Baum  made  a bold  and  resolute  defense. 
The  German  dragoons,  with  the  discipline  of  veterans, 
preserved  their  ranks  unbroken,  and,  after  their  am- 
munition was  expended,  were  led  to  the  charge  by  their 
colonel  with  the  sword  ; but  they  were  overpowered 
and  obliged  to  give  way,  leaving  their  artillery  and 
baggage  on  the  field. 

They  were  well  inclosed  in  two  breastworks,  which, 
owing  to  the  rain  on  the  15th,  they  had  constructed  at 
leisure.  But,  notwithstanding  this  protection,  with  the 
advantage  of  two  pieces  of  cannon,  arms  and  ammu- 

pointing  to  a dead  man  by  the  wayside,  said  to  him  : ‘ Your  brother  is 
killed.*  ‘Is  it  Jesse?’  asked  Warner;  and  when  the  answer  was,  yes, 
he  jumped  off  his  horse,  stooped  and  gazed  in  the  dead  man’s  face,  and 
then  rode  away  without  saying  a word.  On  my  way  back  I got  the  belt 
of  the  Hessian,  whose  sword  I had  taken  in  the  pursuit.  I also  found  a 
barber’s  pack,  but  was  obliged  to  give  up  all  my  findings  till  the  booty 
was  divided.  To  the  best  of  my  remembrance,  my  share  was  four  dol- 
lars and  some  odd  cents.  One  tory  with  his  left  eye  shot  out,  was  led 
by  me  mounted  on  a horse  who  had  also  lost  his  left  eye.  It  seems  cruei 
now  — it  did  not  then. 

“ My  company  lay  down  and  slept  in  a cornfield  near  where  we  had 
fought ; each  man  having  a hill  of  com  for  a pillow.  When  I waked 
next  morning  I was  so  beaten  out  that  I could  not  get  up  till  I had  rolled 
about  a good  while.  After  breakfast  I went  to  see  them  bury  the  dead. 
I saw  thirteen  tories,  mostly  shot  through  the  head,  bOried  in  one  hole. 
Not  more  than  a rod  from  where  I fought,  we  found  Captain  McClary 
dead,  and  stripped  naked.  We  scraped  a hole  with  sticks  and  just  covered 
him  with  earth.  We  saw  many  of  the  wounded  who  had  lain  out  all 
night.  Afterward  we  went  to  Bennington  and  saw  the  prisoners  pa- 
raded. They  were  drawn  up  in  one  long  line,  the  British  foremost,  then 
the  Germans,  next  the  Indians,  and  hindmost  the  toriea.” 

16 


360  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN  MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

nition  in  perfect  order,  and  an  auxiliary  force  of  lu 
dians,  they  were  driven  from  their  intrenchinents  by  b 
band  of  militia  just  brought  to  the  field,  poorly  armed, 
with  few  bayonets,  without  field-pieces,  and  with  little 
discipline.  The  superiority  of  numbers,  on  the  part 
of  the  Americans,  will,  when  these  things  are  consid- 
ered, hardly  be  thought  to  abate  any  thing  from  the 
praise  due  to  the  conduct  of  the  commander,  or  the 
spirit  and  courage  of  his  men. 

The  enemy  being  driven  from  the  field,  the  militia 
dispersed  to  collect  the  plunder.  Scarcely  had  they 
done  so,  before  intelligence  was  brought,  that  a large 
reinforcement  from  the  British  army  was  on  the  march, 
and  within  two  miles’  distance.  This  was  the  corps  of 
Colonel  Breyman,  already  mentioned,  which  had  been 
dispatched  by  General  Burgoyne,  on  receiving  from 
Baum  intelligence  of  his  position.  The  rain  of  the 
preceding  day  and  the  badness  of  the  roads  had  de- 
layed his  arrival ; a circumstance  which  exercised  an 
important  influence  on  the  fate  of  the  battle.  On  the 
approach  of  Breyman’s  reinforcements,  the  flying  party 
of  Baum  made  a rally,  and  the  fortune  of  the  day  was 
for  a moment  in  suspense.  Stark  made  an  effort  to 
rally  the  militia  ; but  happily  at  this  juncture  Colonel 
Warner’s  regiment  came  up  fresh  and  not  yet  engaged, 
and  fell  with  vigor  upon  the  enemy. 

This  regiment,  since  the  battle  fought  at  Hubbard- 
ton,  had  been  stationed  at  Manchester.  It  had  been 
reduced,  by  the  loss  sustained  in  that  action,  to  less 
than  two  hundred  men.  Warner,  their  colonel,  as  we 
have  seen,  was  at  Bennington,  and  was  with  General 
Stark  on  the  14tb.  The  regiment  at  Manchester  was 


MAP 


L 

Champlj 


Showing  the  route 

Crown  Po 

GEN.  BURGOYNE, 
previous 
to  his  surrender  at 

SARATOGA, 

October  Ylth , Tlconderoga 

1777. 

Note.  The  route  of  the 
army  under  Gen.  Bur- 
goyne , is  seen  by  the 
double  line 


warner’s  regiment. 


361 


under  the  command  of  Major  Samuel  Safford.  In  con- 
sequence of  the  absence  of  a large  number  of  the  men 
on  a scouting  party,  and  other  causes,  it  was  not  pos- 
sible to  put  the  regiment  in  motion  on  the  14th  ; on 
the  15th  they  marched  for  Bennington.  Owing  to  the 
heavy  rain  of  that  day,  it  was  near  midnight  when  the 
troops  arrived  within  a mile  of  Bennington.  Fatigued 
with  the  march  of  the  preceding  day,  their  arms  and 
equipments  injured  by  the  rain,  and  their  ammunition 
scanty,  a considerable  portion  of  the  ensuing  day  was 
exhausted,  before  the  men  could  prepare  themselves 
for  battle.  The  first  assault  had  been  made  in  the 
manner  described,  and  the  enemy  driven  from  the 
field,  before  this  regiment  came  into  action.  At  the 
most  critical  moment  of  the  day,  when  the  arrival  of 
Breyman’s  reinforcement  threatened  a reverse  of  its 
good  fortune,  Warner’s  troops  appeared  in  the  field. 
Stark,  with  what  men  he  had  been  able  to  rally,  pushed 
forward  to  his  assistance,  and  the  battle  was  contested 
with  great  obstinacy  on  both  sides  till  sunset,  when  the 
enemy  were  obliged  to  give  way.  General  Stark  pur- 
sued their  flying  forces  till  dark,  and  was  obliged  to 
draw  off  his  men,  to  prevent  them  from  firing  upon 
each  other  under  cover  of  night.  “With  one  hour 
more  of  daylight,”  a6  he  observes  in  his  official  report, 
“ he  would  have  captured  the  whole  body.”  The  fruits 
of  the  victory  were  four  pieces  of  brass  cannon,  sev- 
eral hundred  stand  of  arms,  eight  Brass  drums,  a quan- 
tity of  German  broad-swords,  and  about  seven  hundred 
prisoners.  Two  hundred  and  seven  were  killed  upon 
the  spot ; the  number  of  the  wounded  was  not  ascer 
tained.  Colonel  Baum  was  wounded  and  made  a 


362  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

prisoner,  but  shortly  after  died  of  his  wounds.  The 
loss  of  the  Americans  was  thirty  killed  and  forty 
wounded.  The  general’s  horse  was  killed  in  the 
action.  * 

Too  much  praise  cannot  be  bestowed  on  the  conduct 
of  those  who  gained  the  battle  of  Bennington,  officers 
and  men.  It  is  perhaps  the  most  conspicuous  example 
of  the  performance  by  militia  of  all  that  is  expected 
of  regular,  veteran  troops.  The  fortitude  and  resolu- 
tion with  which  the  lines  at  Bunker  Hill  were  main- 
tained, by  recent  recruits,  against  the  assault  of  a 
powerful  army  of  experienced  soldiers,  have  always 
been  regarded  with  admiration.  But  at  Bennington, 
the  hardy  yeomen  of  Hew  Hampshire,  Vermont  and 
Massachusetts,  many  of  them  fresh  from  the  plough 
and  unused  to  the  camp,  “ advanced,”  as  General 
Stark  expressed  it  in  his  official  letter,  “ through  fire 
and  smoke,  and  mounted  breastworks  that  were  well 
fortified,  and  defended  with  cannon.” 

Fortunately  for  the  success  of  the  battle,  Stark  was 
ably  seconded  by  the  officers  under  him  ; every  pre- 
vious disposition  of  his  little  force  was  most  faithfully 
executed.  He  expresses  his  particular  obligation  to 
Colonels  Warner  and  Herrick,  “whose  superior  skill 
was  of  great  service  to  him.”  Indeed,  the  battle  was 
planned  and  fought  with  a degree  of  military  talent 
and  science  which  would  have  done  no  discredit  to  any 
service  in  Europe.  A higher  degree  of  discipline  might 
have  enabled  the  general  to  check  the  eagerness  of  his 
men  to  possess  themselves  of  the  spoils  of  victory ; but 
his  ability,  even  in  that  moment  of  dispersion,  and  un- 
der the  flush  of  success,  to  meet  and  conquer  a hostile 


GENERAL  STARK. 


363 


reinforcement,  evinces  a judgment  and  resource  not 
often  equaled  in  partisan  warfare. 

In  fact,  it  would  be  the  height  of  injustice  not  to 
recognize,  in  this  battle,  the  marks  of  the  master  mind 
of  the  leader,  which  makes  good  officers  and  good  sol- 
diers out  of  any  materials,  and  infuses  its  own  spirit 
into  all  that  surround  it.  This  brilliant  exploit  was  the 
work  of  Stark,  from  its  inception  to  its  achievement. 
His  popular  name  called  the  militia  together.  His 
resolute  will  obtained  him  a separate  commission, — at 
the  expense,  it  is  true,  of  a wise  political  principle, — 
but  on  the  present  occasion,  with  the  happiest  effect. 
His  firmness  prevented  him  from  being  overruled  by 
the  influence  of  General  Lincoln,  which  would  have 
led  him,  with  his  troops,  across  the  Hudson.  How  few 
are  the  men  who,  in  such  a crisis,  would  not  merely  not 
have  sought,  but  actually  have  repudiated,  a junction 
with  the  main  army ! How  few,  who  would  not  only 
have  desired,  but  actually  insisted  on  taking  the  respon- 
sibility of  separate  action ! Having  chosen  the  burden 
of  acting  alone,  he  acquitted  himself  in  the  discharge 
of  his  duty,  with  the  spirit  and  vigor  of  a man  con- 
scious of  ability  proportioned  to  the  crisis.  He  ad- 
vanced against  the  enemy  with  promptitude  ; sent 
forward  a small  force  to  reconnoiter  and  measure  his 
strength  ; chose  his  ground  deliberately  and  with  skill ; 
planned  and  fought  the  battle  with  gallantry  and  suc- 
cess. 

The  consequences  of  this  battle  were  of  great  import- 
ance. It  not  only  cost  the  army  of  Burgoyne  more 
than  one  thousand  of  his  best  troops,  but  it  wholly 
deranged  the  plan  of  his  campaign,  and  materially 


364  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 


contributed  to  the  loss  of  his  army.  By  advancing  be- 
yond Ticonderoga,  his  communication  with  the  country 
in  his  rear  was  interrupted.  He  relied  on  these  lateral 
excursions  to  keep  the  population  in  alarm,  and  to 
prevent  their  flocking  to  Gates.  He  also  depended  on 
procuring  his  supplies  by  such  inroads  into  the  coun- 
try. The  catastrophe  of  Baum’s  expedition,  by  which 
he  hoped  to  furnish  himself  with  an  ample  store  of  pro- 
visions collected  at  Bennington,  disappointed  that  ex- 
pectation, and  compelled  him  to  halt  till  he  could 
procure  them  in  detail  from  other  quarters,  and  thus 
retarded  his  advance  towartl  Albany  for  a month, 
all  which  time  the  militia  poured  to  the  stand- 
ard of  General  Gates,  and  pfaced  him  in  a condition 
to  compel  the  surrender  of  the  British  army.* 

Five  days  after  the  battle  of  Bennington,  congress 
being  still  ignorant  of  the  transaction,  a resolution  was 
introduced  to  censure  Stark  for  not  submitting  to  the 
regulations  of  the  continental  army,  and  refusing  obe- 
dience to  its  commander.  Thereupon,  a member  from 
Hew  Hampshire  ros£  and  expressed  the  belief  that  the 
first  battle  they  should  hear  of  at  the  north  would  be 
fought  by  Stark  and  the  troops  under  his  command, 
and  that  he  was  not  afraid  to  stake  his  life  or  his  honor 
on  a wager  that  Stark’s  men  would  do  as  much  as  any 
equal  number  of  troops  in  defense  of  their  country.  v 
In  a letter  home,  that  gentleman  said  : “Judge  of  my 

feelings  when  the  very  next  day  I had  a confirmation 
of  all  I had  asserted,  by  an  express  from  Schuyler, 
detailing  the  defeat  of  Baum  and  Breyman.”  Tbe 
resolution  of  censure  was  immediately  changed  to  one 

* See  Life  of  Stark  by  Edward  Everett 


burgoyne’s  defeat. 


365 


of  thanks,  accompanied  with  the  appointment  of  Stark 
to  bse  a brigadier-general  in  the  army  of  the  United 
States. 

If  Burgoyne  was  astonished  when  an  antagonist  he 
had  never  heard  of  thus  unexpectedly  defeated  a body 
of  his  best  troops,  what  would  he  have  thought  had  he 
known  that  antagonist’s  history? — for,  twenty-five 
years  before,  Stark  had  been  a captive  in  Canada,  and 
was  ransomed  for  an  Indian  pony  worth  one  hundred 
dollars!  “The  repulse  on  the  banks  of  the  Walloom- 
scoik,”  says  an  eloquent  V ermonter,*“  plucked  out  the 
crowning  keystone  from  that  well-nigh  finished  arch, 
so  that  the  whole  structure  cracked,  crumbled  by 
piecemeal,  tottered  and  fell,  a wreck  of  ruin,  never  to 
rise  again.”  The  result  of  the  action  was  in  exact  ac- 
cordance with  the  prophetic  wish  expressed  by  Wash- 
ington in  his  letter  to  Schuyler,  written  only  a few 
days  previous.  Washington,  on  hearing  the  joyful 
tidings  of  Stark’s  victory,  said,  “ one  more  such  stroke, 
and  we  shall  have  no  great  cause  for  anxiety  as  to  the 
future  designs  of  Britain.” 

The  revolution  wrought  by  this  event,  in  Burgoyne’s 
feelings,  is  betrayed  by  the  contrast  between  his  letters 
just  before  and  just  after  the  expedition.  In  the  former 
he  writes  to  the  leader  of  the  corps  sent  against  Ver- 
mont : “ Mount  your  dragoons,  send  me  thirteen  hund- 
red horses,  seize  Bennington,  cross  the  mountains  to 
Rockingham  and  Brattleborough,  try  the  affections 
of  the  country,  take  hostages,  and  meet  me  a fortnight 
hence  in  Albany.”  Four  days  after  the  battle  he 

# James  Davie  Butler,  from  whose  Address  on  the  Battle  hf  Benning* 
ton  many  of  *he  facts  in  this  narrative  are  derived, 

16* 


366  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

writes  to  England  : “ The  Hampshire  Grants  in  partic- 
ular, a country  unpeopled  and  almost  unknown  in  the 
last  war,  now  abounds  in  the  most  active  and  rebel- 
lious race  on  the  continent,  and  hangs  like  a gathering 
storm  upon  my  left.”*  Burgoyne  was  far  from  over- 
rating the  influence  of  Stark’s  success.  Within  three 
days  thereafter,  Schuyler  wrote  to  Stark : “ The  signal 
victory  you  have  gained,  and  the  severe  loss  the  enemy 
have  received,  cannot  fail  of  producing  the  most  salu- 
tary result.”  Within  a week,  a hand-bill  was  issued 
at  Boston,  containing  an  exaggerated  account  of  Stark’s 
triumph  ; the  news  was  there  proclaimed  by  criers,  and 
rung  out  from  all  the  bells.  Clinton  wrote:  “Since 
the  affair  at  Bennington,  not  an  Indian  has  been  heard 
of ; the  scalping  has  ceased  ; indeed,  I do  not  appre- 
hend any  great  danger  from  the  future  operations  of 
Mr.  Burgoyne.”  Washington,  writing  to  Putnam,  was 
high  in  hope  that  Hew  England,  following  the  great 
stroke  struck  by  Stark,  would  entirely  crush  Burgoyne  ; 
and  a rumor  that  Burgoyne  was  crushed,  raised  the 
siege  of  Fort  Stanwix,  and  broke  his  right  wing.  All 
this  was  within  one  week  after  Baum  and  Breyman 

* An  officer  in  Burgoyne’s  army,  in  allusion  to  the  event,  in  a series 
of  letters  written  to  his  friends  in  England,  and  afterward  published, 
said:  “ The  courage  and  obstinacy  with  which  the  Americans  fought, 
were  the  astonishment  of  every  one,  and  we  now  became  fully  con- 
vinced, they  are  not  that  contemptible  enemy  we  had  hitherto  imagined 
them,  incapable  of  standing  a regular  engagement,  and  that  they  would 
only  fight  behind  strong  and  powerful  works.  If  the  other  provinces 
enter  as  heartily  into  the  cause  of  rebellion,  I am  afraid  we  shall  find  it 
a very  difficult  task  to  subdue  them  ; for,  exclusive  of  all  the  various 
modes  of  furnishing  men  and  supplies,  it  is  in  these  provinces,  in  some 
measure,  become  a religious  cause,  in  which  the  people  being  enthusi- 
asts, their  clergy  artfully  increase  'a  warlike  spirit  among  their  flocks’* 


* 


SPOILS  AT  BENNINGTON. 


367 


were  discomfited.  In  one  day  more  a rumor  was 
rife  in  New  Hampshire  that  Burgoyne  had  been  taken 
at  Stillwater  : 

“ As  the  sun, 

Ere  he  be  risen,  sometimes  paints  his  image 

In  the  atmosphere,  the  shadows  of  great  events 

Precede  the  events,  and  in  to -da}  already  walks  to-morrow.” 

The  spoils  taken  by  Stark,  after  his  victory  at  Ben- 
nington, were  equally  distributed  among  his  soldiers, 
and  the  prize-money  given  to  each  soldier  was  five 
dollars.  Before  thus  dividing  the  spoils,  Stark  selected 
certain  articles  to  be  presented  as  trophies  to  the  states 
of  Vermont,  New  Hampshire,  and  Massachusetts, 
namely:  for  each  state,  one  Hessian  gun  and  bayonet, 
one  broad-sword,  one  brass-barreled  drum,  and  one 
grenadier’s  cap.  These  presents  called  forth  from  each 
of  the  states,  a letter  of  thanks.  The  gift  fo  Massa- 
chusetts is  still  suspended  in  the  senate-chamber  at 
Boston.  Only  a portion  ef  Stark’s  present  to  his  own 
state  is  preserved,  while  that  given  to  Vermont,  to 
commemorate  his  victory,  has  been  lost.  The  cap  of 
Colonel  Baum  was  for  many  years  worn  to  the  legisla- 
ture by  the  representative  from  Pownal,  and  his  sword 
still  hangs  in  the  bar-room  of  a Bennington  tavern. 
Baum’s  maps  were  long  used  by  Stark  as  curtains  in 
his  log-cabin.  The  whole  expense  of  Stark’s  brigade, 
in  the  achievement  of  a victory  which  secured  the  de- 
struction of  Burgoyne’s  army,  was  sixty-six  thousand 
dollars;  but,  owing  to  the  depreciation  of  continental 
money,  only  two  thousand  dollars  were  actually  paid  by 
congress. 

The  four  pieces  of  cannon  taken  by  Stark  at  Ben- 
nington were  of  Dutch  manufacture.  They  were 


868  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

alternately  in  the  hands  of  the  British  and  Americana 
during  the  battle.  Their  history  is  somewhat  singular. 
After  the  war,  the  following  inscription  was  placed 
upon  them  : “Taken  from  the  Germans  at  Benning- 
ton, August  16th,  1777.”  Thirty-five  years  afterward 
they  were  in  the  park  of  artillery  which  Hull  surren 
dered  with  his  army  to  the  British  at  Detroit.  The 
British  fired  their  evening  salute  with  them,  and  it  was 
determined,  and  preparations  were  made,  to  have  their 
history  continued,  by  engraving  upon  therm  the  inscrip- 
tion, “Retaken  from  the  Americans,  August  16th, 
1812.”  But  before  this  plan  was  executed,  the  cannon 
were  again  taken  from  the  British  at  the  capture  of 
Fort  George,  and  afterward  removed  to  the  arsenal  at 
Washington,  where  they  remained  many  years  un- 
claimed and  forgotten  by  the  Yermonters,  to  whom 
they  belonged.  They  were  finally  discovered  by  the 
Hon.  Henry  Stevens,  the  indefatigable  Vermont  an- 
tiquary, while  at  Washington  in  pursuit  of  docu- 
ments connected  with  the  early  history  of  his  native 
state,  and  upon  his  recommendation  were  claimed  by 
Vermont,  and  cheerfully  restored  by  congress.  They 
now  grace  the  principal  hall  of  the  Vermont  state- 
house,  at  Montpelier  — a memento  of  the  heroic  pa- 
triotism of  the  Green-Mountain  Boys  of  J76. 

The  German  and  British  prisoners  were  conducted 
to  Bennington,  after  the  battle,  and  shut  up  in  the 
meeting-house.  As  soon  as  the  necessary  arrange- 
ments could  be  made,  they  were  removed  to  a place  of 
greater  security  in  Massachusetts.  The  tories  being 
held  in  special  abhorrence,  were  treated  with  consider- 
able severity.  They  were  bound  two  and  two,  like 


A LOED  IN  LIMBO. 


369 


slaves  in  a coffle,  and  led  by  persons  on  horseback. 
The  women  of  Bennington  very  cheerfully  furnished 
all  their  bed-ropes  to  tie  the  prisoners  with.  The  people 
gathered  in  crowds  to  see  them  as  they  passed.  One 
of  the  British  officers  roughly  addressed  a very  old 
lady,  who  was  looking  at  them,  44  So,  you  old  fool,  you 
must  come  to  see  the  lions.”  44  Lions  ! lions ! ” replied 
the  old  lady,  good-humoredly,  44  I declare,  now,  I think 
you  look  more  like  lambs.” 

The  prisoners  taken  at  Bennington  were  soon  after 
joined  by  the  whole  of  Burgoyne’s  army,  who  had 
fallen  into  the  hands  of  Gates.  They  were  taken  to 
Cambridge,  near  Boston.  A British  officer,  who  was 
among  the  prisoners,  tells  the  following  anecdote  of 
their  journey  thither.  The  spiteful  manner  in  which 
he  alludes  to  the  New-England  people,  may  be  excused 
in  consideration  of  his  unfortunate  position  among 
them.  44  The  lower  class  of  the  New-Englanders,”  says 
he,  44  are  impertinently  curious  and  inquisitive  ; at  a 
house  where  Lord  Napier  was  quartered,  with  other 
officers,  a number  of  the  inhabitants  flocked  to  see  a 
lord,  imagining  he  must  be  something  more  than  man; 
they  were  continually  looking  in  at  the  window,  and 
peeping  at  the  room  door,  saying,  4 1 wonder  which  is 
the  lord  ! ’ At  last  four  women,  intimate  friends  of  the 
landlord,  got  into  the  room,  when  one  of  them,  with  a 
twang,  peculiar  to  the  New-Englanders,  said  : 4 1 hear 
you  have  got  a lord  among  you;  pray,  now,  which  may 
he  be  ? ’ His  lordship,  who,  by  the  by,  was  all 
over  mire,  and  scarcely  dry  from  the  heavy  rain  that 
• had  fallen  during  the  day’s  march,  whispered  to 
an  officer  named  Kemmis,  whose  turn  for  wit  and 


370  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  IIEEOE8. 

jocularity  was  well  known  to  the  army.  Kemmis  accor 
dingly  got  up,  and  pointing  to  his  lordship,  in  a voice 
and  manner  as  if  he  was  herald-at-arms,  informed  them 
that  4 that  was  the  Right  Honorable  Francis  Lord  Ha- 
pier,  &c.,  &c.,  &c.,’  going  through  all  his  lordship’s 
titles,  with  a whole  catalogue  of  additions  ; after  he 
had  finished,  the  women  looked  very  attentively  at  his 
lordship,  and  while  he  and  the  other  officers  were 
laughing  at  the  adroitness  of  Kemmis,  the  women  got 
up,  and  one  of  them  lifting  up  her  hands  and  eyes  to 
heaven,  with  great  astonishment,  exclaimed,  4 Well,  for 
my  part,  if  that  be  a lord,  I never  desire  to  see  any 
other  lord  but  the  Lord  J ehovah,’  and  instantly  left 
the  room.” 

The  same  officer  also  relates  the  following  affecting 
circumstance  : 44  A few  days  since,  walking  out  with 
some  officers,  we  stopped  at  a house  to  purchase  vege- 
tables ; while  the  other  officers  were  bargaining  with 
the  woman  of  the  house,  I observed  an  elderly  woman 
sitting  by  the  fire,  who  was  continually  eyeing  us,  and 
every  nowand  then  shedding  a tear.  Just  as  we  were 
leaving  the  house  she  got  up,  and  bursting  into  tears, 
said,  4 Gentlemen,  will  you  let  a poor,  distracted  wo- 
man speak  a word  to  you  before  you  go  ? 9 We,  as  you 
might  naturally  imagine,  were  all  astonished,  and  upon 
inquiring  what  she  wanted,  with  the  most  poignant 
grief  and  sobbing,  as  if  her  heart  was  on  the  point  of 
breaking,  asked  if  any  of  us  knew  her  son,  Colonel 
Francis,  who  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  Hubbard  ton  ? 
Several  of  us  informed  her,  that  we  had  seen  him  after 
he  was  dead.  She  then  inquired  about  his  pocket-book, 
and  if  any  of  his  papers  were  safe,  as  some  related  to 


THE  SOLDIERS  MOTHER. 


371 


his  estates,  and  if  any  of  the  soldiers  had  got  his  watch; 
if  she  could  but  obtain  that  in  remembrance  of  her 
dear,  dear  son,  she  should  be  happy.  Captain  Fergu- 
son, of  our  regiment,  who  was  of  the  party,  told  her  as 
to  the  colonel’s  papers  and  pocket-book,  he  was  fearful 
they  wrere  either  lost  or  destroyed  ; but,  pulling  a 
watch  from  his  fob,  6aid,  “ There,  good  woman,  if  that 
can  make  you  happy,  take  it,  and  God  bless  you.” 
We  wrere  all  much  surprised,  not  knowing  that  he 
had  made  a purchase  of  it  from  a drum-boy.  On  see- 
ing it,  it  is  impossible  to  describe  the  joy  and  grief  that 
was  depicted  in  her  countenance ; I never,  in  all  my 
life,  beheld  such  a strength  of  passion ; she  kissed  it, 
looked  unutterable  gratitude  at  Captain  Ferguson,  then 
kissed  it  again ; her  feelings  were  inexpressible ; she 
knew  not  how  to  express  or  shew  them ; she  would  re- 
pay his  kindness  by  kindness,  but  could  only  sob  her 
thanks  ; our  feelings  were  lifted  up  to  an  inexpressible 
height ; we  promised  to  search  after  the  papers,  and  I 
believe,  at  that  moment,  could  have  hazarded  life  itself 
to  have  procured  them.” 

The  severe  measures  of  General  Burgoyne  had 
roused  the  resentment  and  indignation  of  the  New- 
England  states;  the  prospect  of  success  after  the  battle 
of  Bennington,  had  increased  their  courage  and  anima- 
tion ; and  the  people  were  everywhere  in  motion. 
Finding  that  reinforcements  were,  and  probably  would 
be  constantly  arriving,  General  Lincoln  determined  to 
make  a diversion  in  the  rear  of  the  enemy.  He  marched 
himself  with  the  militia  that  had  joined  him,  from 
Manchester  to  Pawlet.  From  thence,  on  September 
the  thirteenth,  he  sent  off  Colonel  Brown  with  five 


372  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

hundred  men  to  the  landing  at  Lake  George,  to  destroy 
the  British  stores,  and  to  release  the  American  prison- 
ers that  had  been  collected  at  that  place.  Colonel 
Johnson  was  dispatched  with  the  same  number  of  men 
to  Mount  Independence.  Johnson  was  to  amuse  and 
alarm  the  enemy  at  the  north  end  of  Lake  George, 
while  Brown  was  executing  the  business  at  the  south 
end.  If  circumstances  and  opportunity  favored,  they 
were  to  join  their  troops,  and  the  one  was  to  attack 
Ticonderoga,  and  the  other  Mount  Independence ; but 
they  were  not  to  risk  the  loss  of  many  men  in  these 
attempts.  The  same  number  of  men  were  also  sent  on 
under  Colonel  Woodbridge,  to  Skenesborough ; thence 
to  Fort  Anne,  and  so  on  to  Fort  Edward.  The  design 
was  to  alarm  and  divide  the  British  forces  and  atten- 
tion, by  assaulting  all  their  outposts  and  stations  at 
the  same  time.  With  so  much  secrecy  and  address 
were  these  operations  conducted,  that  by  September 
the  eighteenth,  Brown  had  effectually  surprised  all  the 
outposts  between  the  landing-place  at  the  north  end 
of  Lake  George,  and  the  body  of  the  fortress  at  Ticon- 
deroga. Mount  Defiance,  Mount  Hope,  the  “ French 
lines,”  and  a block-house,  with  two  hundred  bateaux,  an 
armed  sloop,  and  several  gun-boats,  were  almost  in- 
stantly taken.  Four  companies  of  foot,  with  nearly  an 
equal  number  of  Canadians,  and  many  of  the  officers 
and  crews  of  the  vessels,  amounting  in  the  whole  to 
two  hundred  and  ninety-three,  were  made  prisoners  ; 
and  at  the  same  time  they* set  at  liberty  one  hundred 
Americans,  who  had  been  made  prisoners,  and  were 
confined  in  some  of  those  works.  Encouraged  by  this 
success,  they  summoned  General  Powel,  the  British 


MOVEMENTS  OF  BURGOYNE. 


3T3 


commander  at  Ticonderoga,  to  surrender  that  fortress  ; 
but  after  maneuvering  four  days,  they  found  they  were 
wholly  unable  to  attempt  the  works  either  at  Ticonde- 
roga  or  Mount  Independence ; abandoning  the  design, 
they  returned  in  safety  to  Lincoln’s  camp.  By  this 
well-conducted  enterprise,  the  Americans  had  alarmed 
the  enemy  on  the  lakes,  captured  a considerable  num- 
ber of  their  men  and  vessels,  recovered  the  continental 
standard  which  they  had  left  when  they  abandoned 
Ticonderoga,  and  returned  to  their  camp  with  scarcely 
any  loss  to  themselves. 

Meanwhile,  General  Burgoyne,  having  collected 
about  thirty  days’  provisions,  and  thrown  a bridge  of 
boats  over  the  Hudson,  crossed  that  river  on  the  13th 
and  14th  of  September,  and  encamped  on  the  heights 
and  plains  of  Saratoga.  General  Gates,  who  had  re- 
cently taken  the  chief  command  of  the  northern  de- 
partment of  the  American  army,  advanced  toward  the 
British,  and  encamped  three  miles  above  Stillwater. 
On  the  night  of  the  17th,  Burgoyne  encamped  within 
four  miles  of  the  American  army  ; and  about  noon  on 
the  19th  advanced  in  full  force  against  it.  The  right 
wing  was  commanded  by  General  Burgoyne,  and  cov- 
ered by  General  Fraser  and  Colonel  Breyman  with  the 
grenadiers  and  light  infantry,  who  were  posted  along 
some  high  grounds  on  the  right.  The  front  and  flanks 
were  covered  by  Indians,  provincials,  and  Canadians. 
The  left  wing  and  artillery  were  commanded  by  Major- 
generals  Phillips  and  Reidesel,  who  proceeded  along 
the  great  road.  Colonel  Morgan,  who  was  detached 
to  observe  their  motions,  and  to  harass  them  as  they 
advanced,  soon  fell  in  with  their  pickets  in  front  of 


374:  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

their  right  wing,  attacked  them  sharply,  and  drove 
them  in.  A strong  corps  was  brought  up  to  support 
them,  and,  after  a severe  encounter,  Morgan  was  com- 
pelled to  give  way;  but  a regiment  was  ordered  to  as- 
sist him,  and  the  action  became  more  general.  The 
commanders  on  both  sides  supported  and  reinforced 
their  respective  parties;  and  about  four  o’clock,  Arnold, 
with  nine  continental  regiments  and  Morgan’s  corps, 
was  completely  engaged  with  the  whole  right  wing  of 
the  British  army.  The  engagement  began  at  three 
o’clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  continued  till  after  sun- 
set, when  the  Americans  thought  proper  to  retire,  and 
leave  the  British  masters  of  the  field  of  battle.  The 
loss  on  each  side  was  nearly  equal,  six  hundred  being 
killed  and  wounded  on  the  part  of  the  British,  and  the 
same  number  on  the  side  of  the  Americans.  No  ad- 
vantages resulted  to  the  British  troops  from  this  en- 
counter ; while  the  conduct  of  the  Americans  fully 
convinced  every  one  that  they  were  able  to  sustain  an 
attack  in  open  plains  with  the  intrepidity,  the  spirit, 
and  the  coolness  of  veterans.  For  four  hours  they 
maintained  a contest  hand  to  hand  ; and  when  they 
retired,  it  was  not  because  they  were  conquered,  but 
because  the  approach  of  night  made  a retreat  to  their 
camp  absolutely  necessary.*  Both  armies  lay  some 

* In  a history  of  Burgoyne’s  campaign,  written  by  an  officer  of  his 
army,  the  following  examples  of  the  heroism  and  devoted  patriotism  of 
the  Americans  are  given.  A soldier  who  had  been  badly  wounded  was 
taken  prisoner  by  the  Indians,  and  carried  before  General  Fraser,  who 
made  inquiries  of  him  in  regard  to  the  condition  of  the  American  army. 
“But  he  would  give  no  answer  to  any  question,”  says  the  British  officer, 
“ and  behaved  in  the  most  undaunted  manner.  The  general,  imagining 
that  by  shewing  him  attention  he  might  gain  some  information  from 


THE  SPIRIT  OF  ’76. 


375 


time  in  sight  of  each  other,  each  fortifying  its  camp  in 
the  strongest  manner  possible.  Meanwhile,  the  diffi- 
culties of  the  British  general  were  daily  increasing ; 
his  auxiliary  Indians  deserted  him  soon  after  the  battle 
of  Stillwater ; and  his  army,  reduced  to  little  more 
than  five  thousand  men,  was  limited  to  half  the  usual 
allowance  of  provisions ; the  stock  of  forage  was  also 
entirely  exhausted,  and  his  horses  were  perishing  in 

him,  ordered  him  some  refreshment,  and  when  the  surgeon  had  examined 
his  wound,  told  him  he  must  immediately  undergo  an  amputation,  which 
being  performed,  he  was  requested  to  keep  himself  still  and  quiet,  or  a 
lock-jaw  would  inevitably  ensue  ; to  this  he  replied  with  great  firmness, 
‘then  I shall  have  the  pleasure  of  dying  in  a good  cause,  that  of  gaining 
independence  to  the  American  colonies.’  I mention  this  circumstance, 
to  show  how  cheerfully  some  of  them  will  sacrifice  their  lives  in  pursuit 
•of  this  favorite  idoL  Such  was  the  man’s  restless  disposition,  that  he 
actually  died  the  next  morning.” 

Another  prisoner  was  interrogated  by  General  Fraser.  The  soldier 
would  give  no  other  answer  than  that  the  American  army  was  com- 
manded by  General  Gates.  Fraser,  exceedingly  provoked  because  he 
could  gain  no  intelligence,  told  him  if  he  did  not  immediately  inform 
him  as  to  the  exact  situation  of  the  American  army,  he  would  hang  him 
up  directly;  the  soldier,  with  the  most  undaunted  firmness,  replied, 
“ Then  you  must  hang  me,  for  I will  not  betray  my  country.”  Fraser’s 
threat  was  not  executed. 

While  the  British  camp  was  on  the  north  side  of  the  Fish  Creek,  a 
number  of  the  officers’  horses  were  let  loose  in  the  meadows  to  feed.  An 
expert  swimmer  among  the  Americans  who  swarmed  upon  the  hills  east 
of  the  Hudson,  obtained  permission  to  go  across  and  capture  one  of  the 
horses.  He  swam  the  river,  seized  and  mounted  a fine  bay  gelding,  and 
in  a few  moments  was  recrossing  the  stream  unharmed,  amid  a volley  of 
bullets  from  a party  of  British  soldiers.  Shouts  greeted  him  as  he  re- 
turned ; and,  when  rested,  he  asked  permission  to  go  for  another,  telling 
the  captain  that  he  ought  to  have  a horse  to  ride  as  well  as  a private. 
Again  the  adventurous  soldier  was  among  the  herd,  and,  unscathed,  re- 
turned with  an  exceedingly  good  match  for  the  first,  and  presented  it  to 
his  commander. 


376  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

great  numbers  ; the  American  army  had  become  so 
augmented  as  to  render  him  diffident  of  making  good 
his  retreat ; and,  to  aggravate  his  distress,  no  intelli- 
gence had  yet  been  received  of  the  approach  of  Gen- 
eral Clinton,  or  of  any  diversion  in  his  favor  from 
New  York.  In  this  exigency,  General  Burgoyne  re- 
solved to  examine  the  possibility  of  dislodging  the 
Americans  from  their  posts  on  the  left,  by  which  means 
he  would  be  enabled  to  retrea-t  to  the  lakes.  For  this 
purpose  he  drew  out  fifteen  hundred  men,  whom  he 
headed  himself,  attended  by  Generals  Phillips,  Beide- 
sel  and  Fraser.  This  detachment  had  scarcely  formed, 
within  less  than  half  a mile  of  the  American  intrench- 
ments,  when  they  made  a furious  attack,  which,  though 
bravely  resisted,  was  decidedly  to  the  advantage  of  the 
assailants.  General  Burgoyne  now  became  convinced 
that  it  was  impossible  to  conduct  any  further  offensive 
operations,  and  endeavored  to  make  good  his  retreat 
to  Fort  George.  Artificers  were  accordingly  dis- 
patched, under  a strong  escort,  to  repair  the  bridges, 
and  open  the  roads,  but  they  were  compelled  to  make 
a precipitate  retreat.  The  situation  of  his  army  be- 
coming every  hour  more  hazardous,  he  resolved  to 
attempt  a retreat  by  night  to  Fort  Edward ; but 
even  this  retrograde  movement  was  rendered  imprac- 
ticable. While  the  army  was  preparing  to  march,  in 
telligence  was  received  that  the  Americans  had  already 
possessed  themselves  of  the  fort,  and  that  they  were 
well  provided  with  artillery.  No  avenue  to  escape 
now  appeared.  Incessant  toil  and  continual  engage- 
ments had  worn  down  the  British  army;  its  provisions 
were  nearly  exhausted,  and  there  were  no  means  of 


SURRENDER  OF  BURGOYNE. 


377 


procuring  a supply;  while  the  American  army,  which 
was  daily  increasing,  was  already  much  greater  than 
the  British  in  point  of  numbers,  and  almost  encircled 
them.  In  this  extremity,  the  British  general  called  a 
council  of  war;  and  it  was  unanimously  resolved  to 
enter  into  a convention  with  General  Gates.  Prelimi- 

0 

naries  were  soon  settled,  and  the  royal  army,  to  the 
number  of  five  thousand  seven  hundred  and  fifty,  sur- 
rendered prisoners  of  war. 

The  capture  of  an  entire  army  was  justly  viewed 
as  an  event  that  must  essentially  affect  the  contest  be- 
tween Great  Britain  and  America ; and  while  it  ex- 
cited the  highest  joy  among  the  Americans,  it  could 
not  but  have  a most  auspicious  influence  on  their  affairs 
in  the  cabinet  and  in  the  field.  The  thanks  of  congress 
were  voted  to  General  Gates  and  his  army;  and  a 
medal  of  gold,  in  commemoration  of  this  splendid 
achievement,  was  ordered  to  be  struck,  to  be  presented 
to  him  by  the  president,  in  the  name  of  the  United 
States. 

After  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne,  the  garrison  left 
by  him  at  Ticonderoga  retreated  into  Canada.  They 
were  pursued  by  fifty. Green-Mountain  Bangers,  who 
captured  forty-nine  of  their  number,  together  with 
horses,  cattle,  and  boats  in  great  numbers.  Previous 
to  the  retreat  of  the  British  from  Ticonderoga,  a Yer- 
monter,  named  Bichard  Wallace,  swam  across  the  lake, 
through  a hostile  floet,  for  the  purpose  of  learning  the 
strength  of  the  forces  there,  as  an  attack  was  contem- 
plated by  Warner  and  Herrick.  This  act  of  daring  was 
equal  to  a story  of  another  Green-Mountain  hero  one 
Johnson,  who,  at  the  battle  of  Bennington,  met  a file 


378  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

of  German  soldiers  in  the  woods,  and,  having  no  other 
weapon  than  a club,  wrenched  the  file-leader’s  sword 
from  his  grasp,  and  compelled  the  whole  party  to  sur- 
render themselves  prisoners  of  war.  A grandson*  of 
that  hero  still  keeps  the  Hessian  blade  thus  bravely  won. 

The  brave  and  hardy  inhabitants  of  the  Green  Moun- 
tains, who  thus  nobly  stood  forth  in  defense  of  their 
country,  had  other  difficulties  than  those  inseparable 
from  the  war  with  the  mother  country  to  encounter. 
Not  having  been  recognized  as  an  independent  state, 
they  were  deprived  of  a regular  government,  under 
which  they  could  act  with  system  and  effect.  They 
had,  at  first,  no  rallying  point,  and  no  bond  of  union, 
save  a common  interest  to  resist  the  claims  of  New 
York,  as  they  had  subsequently  no  other  tie  than  that 
of  a common  determination  to  resist  the  invasion  of  the 
British  forces.  However,  the  necessity  which  drove 
them  to  resistance,  gave  the  effect  of  law  to  the  recom- 
mendations of  their  conventions  and  committees  ; while 
a few  bold  and  daring  spirits,  as  if  formed  for  the  oc- 
casion, gave  energy  and  system  to  their  movements. 
But  a better  organization  was  obviously  needed,  to 
sustain  a protracted  conflict.  The  change  produced  by 
the  Declaration  of  Independence  in  the  relations  be- 
tween Great  Britain  and  her  colonies,  rendered  the 
importance  of  this  course  still  more  imperative.  The 
people  had,  as  we  have  seen,  originally  purchased  their 
lands  under  royal  grants  from  the  governor  of  New 
Hampshire.  But  New  York  claimed  the  jurisdiction 
and  right  of  6oil,  and  insisted  that  the  occupants  of  the 
lands  should  repurchase  them,  and  at  exorbitant  rates. 

* Rev.  Charles  Johnson,  of  Locke,  Cayuga  couDty,  New  York. 


INDEPENDENCE  OF  VERMONT. 


379 


The  settlers  had  petitioned  the  crown  for  redress,  and 
while  they  were  encouraged  with  indications  favorable 
to  their  rights,  the  connection  between  the  crown  and 
contending  parties  was  suddenly  dissolved.  There  no 
longer  remained,  therefore,  any  earthly  power,  recog- 
nized by  the  parties  as  a superior , possessing  the  right 
of  settling  the  controversy.  This  state  of  things  could 
not  fail  to  suggest  to  the  settlers  the  expediency  of  de- 
claring themselves  independent.  Having  never  sub- 
mitted to  the  authority  of  New  York,  and  finding  no 
safety  for  their  dearest  rights  in  doing  so,  they  consid- 
ered the  time  had  arrived,  as  they  no  longer  acknowl- 
edged allegiance  to  the  British  crown,  when  a regard 
for  their  own  safety  required,  and  justice  sanctioned, 
their  formal  assumption  of  the  powers  of  self-govern- 
ment. Accordingly,  toward  the  close  of  the  year  1775, 
a number  of  individuals  repaired  to  Philadelphia, 
where  the  continental  congress  was  then  in  session, 
desiring  the  advice  of  that  body  as  to  the  course  they 
should  pursue.  No  formal  action  was  taken  by  con- 
gress, although  several  of  its  prominent  members  rec- 
ommended a separate  state 'organization.  A convention 
of  delegates  from  thirty-five  towns  accordingly  assem- 
bled at  Dorset,  July  24th,  1776  ; but  for  the  purpose  ot* 
more  thoroughly  obtaining  the  views  of  the  people, 
adjourned  to  the  25th  of  the  following  September.  By 
the  adjourned  meeting,  it  was  unanimously  resolved 
“to  take  suitable  measures,  as  soon  as  may  be,  to 
declare  the  New-Hampshire  Grants  a free  and  separate 
district.” 

In  January,  1777,  another  convention  was  held  at 
Westminster,  which  finally  adopted  the  following 


380  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

DECLARATION  OF  INDEPENDENCE. 

“ In  convention  of  the  Representatives  from  the  several  coun- 
ties and  towns  of  the  New  Hampshire  Grants,  holden  at  West- 
minster, January  15,  1777,  by  adjournment. 

Whereas,  the  Honorable  the  Continental  Congress  did,  on  the 
4th  day  of  July  last,  declare  the  United  Colonies  in  America  to 
be  free  and  independent  of  the  crown  of  Great  Britain ; which 
declaration  we  most  cordially  acquiesce  in.  And  whereas  by  the 
said  declaration,  the  arbitrary  acts  of  the  crown  are  null  and  void, 
in  America.  Consequently,  the  jurisdiction  by  said  crown  granted 
to  New  York  government  over  the  people  of  the  New  Hampshire 
Grants  is  totally  dissolved. 

We  therefore , the  inhabitants,  on  said  tract  of  land,  are  at 
present  without  law  or  government,  and  may  be  truly  said  to  be 
in  a state  of  nature;  consequently  a right  remains  to  the  people 
on  said  Grants,  to  form  a Government  best  suited  to  secure  their 
property  well  being  and  happiness.  We  the  delegates  from  the 
several  counties  and  towns  on  said  tract  of  land,  bounded  as  fol- 
lows: South  on  the  north  line  of  Massachusetts  Bay;  East  on 
Connecticut  River;  North  on  Canada  line;  West  as  far  as  the 
New  Hampshire  Grants  extend:  After  several  adjournments  for 
the  purpose  of  forming  ourselves  into  a distinct  separate  State, 
being  assembled  at  Westminster,  do  make  and  publish  the  fol- 
lowing Declaration,  viz : 

“ That  we  will  at  all  times  hereafter,  consider  ourselves  as  a 
free  and  independent  State,  capable  of  regulating  our  internal 
police,  in  all  and  every  respect  whatsoever.  And  that  the  people 
of  said  Grants  have  the  sole  and  exclusive,  and  inherent  right  of 
ruling  and  governing  themselves,  in  such  manner  and  form  as  in 
their  own  wisdom  shall  think  proper,  not  inconsistent  to  any 
resolve  of  the  Honorable  Continental  Congress. 

Furthermore , we  declare  by  all  the  ties  which  are  held  sacred 
among  men,  that  we  will  firmly  stand  by  and  support  one 
another  in  this  our  declaration  of  a State,  and  endeavoring  as 
much  as  in  us  lies  to  suppress  unlawful^routs  and  disturb- 
ances whatever.  Also  we  will  endeavor  to  secure  to  every 
individual  his  life,  peace  and  property,  against  all  invaders  of 
the  same. 

Lastly , we  hereby  declare,  that  we  are  at  all  times  ready,  in 
conjunction  with  our  brethren  in  the  United  States  of  America, 
to  do  our  full  proportion  in  maintaining  and  supporting  the  just 
war,  against  the  tyrannical  invasions  of  the  ministerial  fleets  and 
armies,  as  well  as  any  other  foreign  enemies,  sent  with  express 


VEEMONT  CONSTITUTION. 


381 


purpose  to  murder  our  fellow  brethren,  and  with  lire  and  sword 
to  ravage  our  defenceless  country. 

The  said  State  hereafter  to  be  called  by  the  name  of  New 
Connecticut.” 

At  another  convention,  held  in  June,  1777,  the  name 
of  NTew  Connecticut  was  changed  to  Yeemont.  In- 
formation of  this  important  step  was  transmitted  to 
congress,  with  the  assurance  that  the  people  of  Yermont 
were  at  all  times  ready,  in  conjunction  with  their 
brethren  in  the  United  States,  to  contribute  their  full 
proportion  towards  maintaining  the  present  just  war, 
against  the  fleets  and  armies  of  Great  Britain.”  They 
also  sent  a deputation  to  Philadelphia  to  solicit  con- 
gress to  recognize  their  existence  as  an  independent 
state,  and  admit  their  delegates  to  seats  in  the  national 
legislature.  He w Hampshire  readily  consented  to  the 
separate  independence  of  Yermont ; Connecticut  and 
Massachusetts  gave  it  their  approval;  but  Hew  York  re- 
monstrated against  the  measure,  and  even  insisted  that 
congress  should  recall  the  commission  granted  to  the 
noble  Warner,  who  was  denounced  as  an  outlaw  and 
insurgent.  This  remonstrance  had  its  effect  upon  con- 
gress, and  the  application  for  the  recognition  of  the  in- 
dependence of  Yermont,  was  peremptorily  dismissed. 

While  this  subject  was  before  congress,  the  people  of 
Yermont  were  engaged  in  forming  a constitution.  A 
convention,  chosen  for  this  purpose,  met  at  Windsor 
the  second  of  July.  The  draft  of  a constitution  was 
prepared,  and  the  convention  were  deliberating  upon  jts 
provisions  when  the  intelligence  of  the  evacuation  of 
Ticonderoga  was  received.  “ The  frontiers,”  says  Ira 
Allen  in  his  History  of  Yermont,  “were  exposed  to  the 
inroads  of  the  enemy,  the  family  of  the  president  of 
17 


382  ETHAN  AXLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

the  convention,  as  well  as  those  of  many  other  mem- 
bers, were  exposed  to  the  foe.  In  this  awful  crisis, 
some  were  for  leaving  precipitately  ; but  a severe  thun- 
der-storm came  on,  and  during  the  rain,  they  had  time 
to  reflect ; while  other  members,  less  alarmed  at  the 
news,  called  the  attention  of  the  whole  to  finish  the 
constitution,  which  was  then  reading  for  the  last  time. 
The  constitution  was  read  through  ; the  convention 
proceeded  to  appoint  a council  of  safety  to  conduct 
the  business  of  the  state,  and  adjourned  without  day. 

“The  members  of  the  council  of  safety,  appointed  as 
aforesaid,  agreed  to  meet  and  form  at  Manchester, 
where  they  repaired  without  loss  of  time.  Colonel 
Thomas  Chittenden  was  elected  president,  and  Mr.  Ira 
Allen  (then  twenty-seven  years  old)  secretary  to  said 
convention.  The  council  of  safety  had  no  public  mo- 
ney, nor  had  they  any  authority  to  lay  taxes,  or  credit, 
as  a public  body,  to  make  or  borrow  money  to  answer 
the  necessities  of  government.  The  government  was 
in  its  infancy,  and  all  expenses  were  supported  at  pri- 
vate expense.  The  council  were  generally  men  of  small 
property,  yet  in  this  situation,  it  became  necessary  to 
raise  men  for  the  defense  of  the  frontiers,  with  bounties 
and  wages.  Ways  and  means  were  to  be  found  out ; 
and  the  day  was  spent  in  debating  on  the  subject.  Na- 
than Clark,  Esq.,  not  convinced  of  the  practicability  of 
raising  ^ regiment,  moved  in  council,  that  Mr.  Ira  Al- 
len, (the  youngest  member  of  the  council,  who  insisted 
on  raising  a regiment,  while  a large  majority  of  the 
council  were  for  only  two  companies  of  sixty  men  each) 
might  be  appointed  a committee,  to  discover  ways  and 
means  to  raise,  arm  and  support  a regiment,  and  to 


IRA  ALLEN’S  EXPEDIENT. 


383 


make  his  report  at  sunrise,  on  the  morrow.  The  coun- 
cil acquiesced,  and  Mr.  Allen  took  the  matter  into  con- 
sideration, and  spent  the  night  alone  in  concerting 
plans  ; and  he  reported  the  ways  and  means,  viz  : that 
the  council  should  appoint  commissioners  of  sequestra- 
tion, with  authority  to  seize  the  goods  and  chattels  of 
all  persons  who  had,  or  should  join  the  common  en- 
emy ; that  all  movable  property  so  seized  should  be 
sold  at  public  vendue,  and  the  proceeds  paid  to  a treas- 
urer, to  be  appointed  by  the  council,  for  the  purpose 
of  paying  a bounty  of  ten  dollars,  and  one  month’s  pay 
in  advance.” 

This  is  said  to  have  been  the  first  instance  of  the  seiz- 
ure of  the  property  of  the  tories  for  the  defense  of  the 
country,  although  the  practice  was  afterward  adopted 
by  all  the  states.  This  energetic  measure  enabled  the 
council  of  safety  to  bring  a regiment  of  hardy  moun- 
taineers into  the  field.  They  appealed  to  New  Hamp- 
shire for  aid.  Stark  was  promptly  sent  to  their  assist- 
ance— the  battle  of  Bennington  was  fought — Bur- 
goyne’s  expected  supplies  were  thereby  cut  off,  and  the 
surrender  of  his  army  to  Gates  became  inevitable. 

Previous  to  the  adjournment  of  the  convention  which 
framed  the  state  constitution,  the  first  election  of  offi- 
cers was  directed  to  be  held  in  December,  1777 ; but 
the  military  movements  in  that  vicinity  rendered  its 
postponement  necessary.  In  March,  1778,  Thomas 
Chittenden  was  elected  governor,  and  Ira  Allen 
see;  eta  ry. 

Thomas  Chittenden  was  born  January  6,  1730,  at 
Guilford,  Conn.  His  father  being  a farmer,  in  moder- 
ate circumstances,  the  subject  of  this  memoir  received 


384  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

no  other  education  than  that  afforded  by  the  common 
school  in  Guilford.  Until  the  eighteenth  year  of  his 
age  he  was  employed  on  his  father’s  farm ; but  being 
of  an  active  and  adventurous  temperament,  he  engaged 
in  a mercantile  enterprise,  and  made  a voyage  to  the 
West  Indies.  But  England  being  then  at  war  with 
France,  the  vessel  in  which  he  had  embarked  was  cap- 
tured by  a cruiser  of  the  latter  country,  and  he  was 
landed  on  a West-India  island,  without  friends  or  re- 
sources. He  finally  reached  home,  after  undergoing 
much  suffering  and  fatigue.  At  the  age  of  twenty  he 
married  Elizabeth  Meigs,  removed  to  Salisbury,  and 
by  his  industry  and  energy,  soon  acquired  a consider- 
able fortune.  He  was  then  appointed  a justice  of  the 
peace,  a colonel  of  the  militia,  and  represented  the 
town  of  Salisbury  in  the  Connecticut  legislature  from 
1765  to  1772.  Having  purchased  a large  tract  of  land 
on  the  Winooski  river,  he  removed  to  the  Hew-Hamp- 
shire  Grants  in  the  spring  of  1774,  and  in  a short  pe- 
riod was  surrounded  with  all  the  comforts  that  wealth 
could  bestow.  At  this  time  the  war  of  the  Bevolution 
commenced,  and  Mr.  Chittenden,  with  several  other 
persons,  repaired  to  Philadelphia  to  learn  the  views  of 
the  members  of  the  continental  congress,  in  regard  to 
the  momentous  crisis  then  impending,  and  to  receive 
advice  as  to  the  manner  in  which  the  people  occupy- 
ing the  New-Hampshire  Grants,  could,  in  their  pe- 
culiar position,  most  effectually  serve  the  cause  of 
freedom. 

Upon  the  retreat  of  the  American  army  from  Can- 
ada, in  the  spring  of  1776,  the  frontier  settlements 
were  exposed  to  the  enemy,  and  Mr.  Chittenden  found 


GOV.  CHITTENDEN. 


385 


it  necessary  to  abandon  his  pleasant  home,  and  re- 
move his  family  to  Massachusetts.  After  doing  this, 
he  entered  with  much  zeal  into  the  measures  adopted 
to  impede  the  progress  of  the  enemy,  and  was  ap- 
pointed the  first  president  of  the  committee  of  safety 
at  Bennington.  Entering  with  deep  interest  into  the 
controversy  with  New  York  respecting  the  titles  of 
the  lands  in  the  New-IIampshire  Grants,  and  being 
more  acquainted  with  public  business  than  any  of  the 
settlers,  in  consequence  of  the  offices  which  he  had 
held  in  his  native  state,  he  was  universally  regarded 
as  the  man  most  suitable  to  be  placed  at  the  head  of 
their  operations.  Mr.  Chittenden  perceived  that  the 
general  struggle  for  independence,  in  which  the  col- 
onies were  now  engaged,  presented  a favorable  oppor- 
tunity for  terminating  the  controversy  with  New  York, 
by  erecting  the  disputed  territory  into  a new  state, 
and  establishing  a separate  government ; and  having 
adopted  this  decisive  plan  of  sound  policy,  he  steadily 
pursued  it,  till  he  saw  the  independence  of  Vermont 
acknowledged  by  the  neighboring  states  and  by  the 
general  government. 

He  was  a member  of  the  first  convention  of  dele- 
gates from  the  several  townships,  which  met  at  Dorset, 
September  25,  1776,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  into 
consideration  the  expediency  of  declaring  Vermont  an 
independent  state ; and  at  the  subsequent  meeting  of 
the  convention  at  Westminster,  January  25,  1777,  he 
was  one  of  the  committee  who  draughted  the  declara- 
tion of  independence,  which  was  there  adopted;  and 
also  a member  of  another  committee,  which,  at  that  time, 
petitioned  congress,  praying  that  body  to  acknowledge 


386  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GKEEN-MOU N TAIN  HEBOKS. 

Vermont  a free  and  independent  state.  He  assisted  in 
forming  the  first  constitution  of  Vermont,  which  was 
adopted  by  the  convention,  July  2d,  1777,  and  in  1778 
he  was  elected  the  first  governor  of  Vermont,  which 
office  he  held,  with  the  exception  of  one  year,  till  his 
death.* 

Governor  Chittenden  possessed  in  an  eminent  degree, 
precisely  those  qualifications  which  fitted  him  for  the 
sphere  in  which  he  was  called  upon  to  act.  He  had  not, 
indeed,  enjoyed  many  of  the  advantages  of  education, 
but  his  want  of  education  was  amply  compensated  by 
the  possession  of  a strong  and  active  mind,  which,  at 
the  time  he  emigrated  to  Vermont,  was  matured  by 
age,  practiced  in  business,  and  enriched  by  a careful 
observance  of  men  and  things.  His  knowledge  was 
practical  rather  than  theoretic.  He  was  regular  in  his 
habits — plain  and  simple  in  his  manners  — averse  to 
ostentation  in  equipage  or  dress,  and  he  cared  little  for 
the  luxuries,  the  blandishments  or  the  etiquette  of 
refined  society.  In  short,  though  he  was  destitute  of 
many  of  the  qualifications  now  deemed  essential  in  a 
statesman,  he  possessed  all  that  were  necessary,  and 
none  that  were  superfluous,  in  the  times  in  which  he 
lived,  and  was  probably  far  better  fitted  to  be  the 
leader  and  governor  of  the  independent,  dauntless  and 
hardy,  but  uncultivated  settlers  of  Vermont,  than  would 
have  been  a man  of  more  theoretic  knowledge,  or  polite 
accomplishments. 

Ik  a Allen,  who  was  chosen  the  first  secretary  of 
state,  had  also  been  the  secretary  of  the  committee  of 

* History  of  Vermont,  by  Rev.  Zadock  Thompson  — a most  able  and 
elabo'ate  work 


IRA  ALLEN. 


387 

safety,  and  as  such,  performed  services  of  incalculable 
benefit  to  the  country.  Many  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Green  Mountains  sanctioned  the  policy  of  the  British 
crown,  in  opposition  u.  :Pe  interests  of  the  colonies,  and 
on  the  approach  of  Burgoyne  mndreds  of  them  fled 
to  his  camp.  The  whole  country  was  - the  utmost 
consternation.  Successful  resistance  to  the  tnumpnant 
march  of  the  haughty  Briton  was  scarcely  hoped  for. 
The  committee  of  safety  at  Bennington  were  about  to 
give  up  in  despair.  The  committee  were  destitute  of 
means,  and  yet  Allen  insisted  that  they  should  enlist  a 
regiment  to  aid  the  army  of  freedom.  But  how  were 
the  men  to  be  paid  ? how  armed  ? Ira  Allen  shrunk 
not  from  the  question.  “We  must  use  the  means  of 
those  who  have  gone  over  to  the  enemy,  to  defend 
ourselves  against  them,”  said  he.  The  measure  was 
adopted,  the  regiment  was  raised,  arms  and  ammunition 
were  procured,  and  at  Bennington,  “that  cluster  of 
poor  cottages,”  as  Burgoyne  denominated  it,  was  fought 
the  battle  which  rendered  the  ultimate  surrender  of 
the  British  army  inevitable.*  “ Let  us  turn,”  says  a 
distinguished  Vermont  author,*  in  describing  the 
members  of  the  committee  of  safety,  “ Let  us  turn  to 
the  youthful  secretary  of  the  council,  Ira  Allen.  So 
much  the  junior  of  his  colleagues  was  he,  that  a 
spectator  might  well  wonder  why  he  was  selected  as 
one  of  such  a sage  body.  But  those  who  procured  his 
appointment  knew  full  well  why  they  had  done  so  ; 
and  his  history  thenceforward  was  destined  to  prove  a 
continued  justification  of  their  opinion.  Both  in  form 
• Daniel  P.  Thompson,  Esq.,  in  his  popular  historical  novel,  entitled 


388  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

and  feature,  Le  was  one  of  the  handsomest  men  of  his 
day ; 'while  a mind,  at  once  versatile,  clear  and 
penetrating,  with  perceptions  $,s  quick  as  light,  was 
stamped  on  his  Grecian  brow,  or  found  a livelier 
expression  in  his  flashing  black  eyes,  and  other  linea- 
ments of  his  intellectual  countenance.  Such,  as  he 
appeared  for  the  first  time  on  the  stage  of  public  action, 
was  the  afterward  noted  Ira  Allen,  whose  true  history, 
when  written,  will  show  him  to  have  been  either 
secretly  or  openly  the  originator  or  successful  prosecutor 
of  more  important  political  measures,  affecting  the 
interests  and  independence  of  the  state,  and  the  issue 
of  the  war  in  the  northern  department,  than  any  other 
individual  in  Vermont ; making  him,  with  the  many 
peculiar  traits  he  possessed,  one  of  the  most  remarkable 
men  of  the  times  in  which  he  so  conspicuously  figured.” 
Many  difficulties  attended  the  establishment  of  the  new 
government.  Congress  had  disapproved  of  the  Ver- 
mont declaration  of  independence,  and  New  York 
vigorously  resisted  the  movement.  The  Vermonters, 
in  the  expectation  of  increasing  their  strength,  incau- 
tiously admitted  another  occasion  of  embarrassment  to 
the  adjustment  of  the  serious  controversy  in  which  they 
were  involved.  The  original  charter  under  which  New 
Hampshire  was  settled,  was  limited  to  a margin  of  sixty 
miles  in  width  along  the  sea-coast.  But  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  colony  was  afterward  extended  westward  to  the 
Connecticut  river,  and  Governor  Wentworth  even 
claimed  jurisdiction  to  Lake  Champlain.  Sixteen 
townships,  situated  on  the  east  side  of  the  Connecticut, 
but  within  the  limits  of  the  original  charter,  applied 
to  the  Vcrjnont  legislature  for  admission  into  their  new 


allen’s  return. 


389 


state.  The  application  was  made  in  March,  1778.  The 
people  on  the  east  side  of  the  Green  Mountains  were 
ardently  in  favor  of  the  measure,  and  as  it  was  repre- 
sented to  the  legislature  that  the  persons  inhabiting  the 
sixteen  townships  almost  unanimously  approved  of 
the  proposed  union,  the  subject  was  referred  to  the 
people.  In  June  the  legislature  again  met,  and  as  a 
majority  of  the  towns  composing  the  state  of  Vermont 
had  declared  in  favor  of  the  union,  the  legislature  gave 
its  formal  consent  to  the  measure.  New  Hampshire  at 
once  protested  against  the  dismemberment  of  its  terri- 
tory, and  appealed  to  congress  for  protection. 

In  the  mean  time,  Ethan  Allen  had  been  exchanged 
for  an  officer  taken  at  the  capture  of  Burgoyne,  and, 
after  having  visited  Washington  at  Valley  Forge,  had 
returned  to  his  beloved  Green-Mountain  companions, 
and  was  welcomed  home  amid  universal  rejoicings. 
Congress,  not  unmindful  of  his  services,  granted  him  a 
brevet  commission  of  colonel  in  the  continental  army, 
“in  reward  of  his  fortitude,  firmness  and  zeal  in  the 
cause  of  his  country,  manifested  in  the  course  of  his 
long  and  cruel  captivity,  a6  well  as  on  former  occa- 
sions.” Allen,  on  his  return  to  Vermont,  was  appointed 
general  and  commander-in-chief  of  the  militia  of  the 
state.  The  people  of  Vermont  having  seen  their  error 
in  becoming  a party  to  the  dismemberment  of  New 
Hampshire,  General  Allen  was  appointed  a special 
agent  to  visit  Philadelphia  and  counteract  the  unfavor- 
able feeling  in  congress  respecting  the  independence 
of  Vermont,  occasioned  by  its  course  toward  a sister 
state.  The  delicate  duties  of  this  mission  Allen  per- 
formed with  consummate  tact,  and  on  his  return  to  hia 


890  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

constituents,  urged  them  to  recede  from  the  union  with 
a portion  of  New  Hampshire,  expressing  the  assur- 
ance that  should  they  do  60,  congress  would  recognize 
their  independence.  The  legislature  met  at  Windsor, 
in  October,  and  in  compliance  with  Allen’s  recommend- 
ation, receded  from  the  union  with  the  towns  east  of 
the  Connecticut  river.  The  members  from  these  towns 
withdrew  from  the  legislature,  and  were  followed  by  a 
number  of  others  representing  the  east  side  of  the 
Green  Mountains,  and  these  afterward  occasioned  the 
administration  much  ‘trouble. 

During  the  occurrence  of  these  events,  Governor 
Clinton,  of  New  York,  issued  a proclamation  claiming 
jurisdiction  over  Yermont,  but  confirming  the  title  of 
the  settlers  to  the  lands  which  had  been  granted  by  the 
governor  of  New  Hampshire.  Many  persons  were 
eager  to  acquiesce  in  the  jurisdiction  of  New  York 
upon  these  conditions.  But  Allen  prepared  an  answer 
to  the  proclamation  of  Clinton,  stating  the  grounds  of 
the  claims  of  Yermont  to  the  right  of  self-government, 
and  exhorting  the  people  not  to  relax  for  a moment 
their  efforts  to  attain  the  end  for  which  they  had 
struggled  so  long  and  so  hard.  This  address  had  a 
powerful  effect  upon  the  Yermonters,  and  doubtless 
prevented  the  dissolution  of  the  state  government. 

It  should  be  said  to  the  praise  of  Allen,  considering 
the  scenes  he  had  passed  through,  that  on  no  occasion 
did  he  encourage  or  countenance  laxness  in  govern- 
ment, or  disobedience  to  the  laws  and  magistrates,  re- 
cognized as  such  by  the  people  themselves.  “Any  one,” 
he  remarks,  “who  is  acquainted  with  mankind  and 
things,  must  know,  that  it  is  impossible  to  manage  the 


ALLEN  FOR  LAW  AND  ORDER. 


391 


political  matters  of  this  country  without  the  assistance 
of  civil  government.  A large  body  of  people  destitute 
of  it,  is  like  a ship  at  sea,  without  a helm  or  mariner, 
tossed  by  the  impetuous  waves.  We  could  not  enjoy 
domestic  peace  and  security,  set  aside  the  consequences 
of  a British  war  and  the  New-York  strife,  without  civil 
regulations.  The  two  last  considerations  do,  in  the 
most  striking  manner,  excite  us  to  strengthen  and  con- 
firm the  government  already  set  up  by  the  authority 
of  the  people,  which  is  the  fountain  of  all  temporal 
power,  and  from  which  the  subjects  of  the  state  of 
Vermont  have  already  received  such  signal  advan- 
tages.” These  sentiments  he  avowed  repeatedly,  and 
even  when  he  was  stirring  up  and  leading  out  the  mobs 
of  Bennington,  he  always  declared  it  was  in  self-defense, 
the  result  of  a necessity  forced  upon  them  by  their  en- 
emies ; and  he  never  ceased  to  recommend  order,  good 
faith,  and  submission  to  the  laws,  as  essential  to  the 
prosperity  and  happiness  of  the  community. 

This  desire  on  the  part  of  Allen  to  maintain  good 
order  in  society  by  adherence  to  the  law,  is  happily 
illustrated  by  an  occurrence  which  took  place  soon  after 
his  return  from  captivity.  One  David  Bedding  had  been 
accused  of  supplying  the  enemy  on  the  lakes  with  pro- 
visions, and  was  charged  with  several  other  acts  un- 
friendly to  the  country.  He  was  at  first  tried  by  a jury 
of  six  persons  and  convicted,  and  was  sentenced  to  be 
executed  on  thd  sixth  day  of  June,  1778.  In  the  mean 
time,  John  Burnam,  an  attorney  at  law,  who  had  re- 
cently arrived  from  Connecticut,  with  Blackstone’s 
Commentaries  in  his  saddle-bags,  appeared  before  the 
council  of  safety  and  showed  them  that  Redding’s 


392  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN -MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

conviction  had  been  irregular,  inasmuch  as  no  man 
could  be  legally  convicted  of  a capital  crime,  but 
by  the  verdict  of  twelve  jurymen.  The  council,  per- 
ceiving their  error,  granted  a new  trial.  But  the  curi- 
osity which,  not  much  to  the  honor  of  human  nature, 
has  ever  been  manifested  on  such  occasions,  was  on 
this,  greatly  heightened  by  the  fact  that  no  execution 
had  ever  taken  place  in  Vermont.  To  this  curiosity 
was  added  the  strong  feeling  of  indignation  which 
such  a crime  as  that  of  Redding  was  calculated  to  ex- 
cite at  that  period.  The  intelligence  that  a new  trial 
had  been  granted  was  received  at  the  moment  when 
the  excited  throng  were  collecting  to  witness  the 
execution.  With  such  a multitude  and  on  such  an 
occasion,  it  was  useless  to  talk  of  law.  They  had  pro- 
nounced the  culprit  guilty,  and  were  not  in  a mood  to 
reflect  upon  the  motive  for  setting  aside  the  verdict  of 
the  whole  community  with  so  little  ceremony.  The  ex- 
cited populace  were  preparing  to  seize  the  prisoner, 
regardless  of  the  reprieve  which  had  been  granted,  and 
unceremoniously  hang  him.  Upon  this,  Ethan  Allen 
pressed  through  the  crowd,  mounted  a stump,  and 
waving  his  hat,  exclaimed  in  thundering  tones,  “ At- 
tention the  whole!”  Silence  was  at  once  restored,  for 
all  were  eager  to  hear  what  he  would  say.  He  then 
proceeded  to  announce  the  reasons  which  had  produced 
the  reprieve — advised  the  multitude  to  depart  peace- 
ably to  their  habitations,  and  return  on  the  day  fixed 
for  the  execution  by  the  council  of  safety,  adding  with 
a tremendous  oath,  “You  shall  see  somebody  hung, 
at  all  events;  for  if  Redding  is  not  then  hung,  I will  be 
hung  myself.”  The  crowd  quietly  dispersed,  and  after 


ANECDOTES  OF  ETHAN  ALLEN. 


893 


having  been  a second  time  convicted,  Redding  was 
finally  executed.* 

Levi,  one  of  Ethan  Allen’s  brothers,  joined  the  tories 
and  fled  with  them  to  Canada.  This  greatly  incensed 
Ethan,  and  he  applied  to  the  proper  authorities  for  the 
confiscation  of  his  brother’s  property  for  the  benefit  of 
the  state.f  Levi  heard  of  this,  and  challenged  his 
brother  to  fight  a duel ! This  Ethan  refused  to  do,  on 
the  ground  that  it  would  “be  disgraceful  to  fight  a tory ! ” 
Levi  afterward  abandoned  the  royal  cause,  and  be- 
came a staunch  patriot. 

* Another  anecdote,  illustrative  of  Allen’s  character,  may  be  appropri- 
ately narrated  here,  and,  like  the  above,  is  undoubtedly  authentic.  Allen 
was  for  a short  time  a resident  of  Tinmouth,  Yt.  On  one  occasion  while 
at  the  house  of  the  village  physician,  a lady  entered  to  have  a tooth  ex- 
tracted; but  as  often  as  the  physician  attempted  to  apply  his  instrument 
to  the  offending  tooth,  the  lady’s  courage  failed.  Allen,  who  was  an  un- 
easy spectator, at  length  said  to  the  physician,  “Here,  Doctor,  take  out 
one  of  my  teeth.”  “ But  your  teeth  are  all  soiled,”  said  the  physician, 
after  carefully  examining  his  molars  and  incisors.  “ Never  mind  — do  as 
I direct  you,”  said  Allen;  and  there  was  suddenly  a gap  in  his  array  of 
ivoiy.  “ Now  take  courage,  madam,  from  the  example  I have  given  you,” 
said  Allen  to  the  trembling  lady.  Pride  overcame  her  fears,  and  she 
was  soon  relieved  of  her  apprehensions  of  pain,  and  of  her  tooth  also. 

t The  following  is  a literal  copy  of  Ethan  Allen’s  complaint  concern- 
ing his  brother  : 

Bennington  County,  ss. — Arlington,  9th  of  January,  1779. 

To  the  Honorable  the  Court  of  Confiscation,  conies  Col.  Ethan  Allen, 
in  the  name  of  the  freemen  of  this  State,  and  complaint  makes  that  Levi 
Allen,  late  of  Salisbury,  in  Connecticut,  is  of  tory  principles,  and  holds 
in  fee,  sundry  tracts  and  parcels  of  land  in  this  State.  The  said  Levi  has 
been  detected  in  endeavoring  to  supply  the  enemy  on  Long  Island,  and 
in  attempting  to  circulate  counterfeit  continental  currency,  and  is  guilty 
of  holding  treasonable  correspondence  with  the  enemy,  under  cover  of 
doing  favours  to  me,  when  a prisoner  at  New- York,  and  Long  Island  ; 
and  in  talking,  and  useing  influence  in  favour  of  the  enemy,  associating 


394:  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

After  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne,  the  southern  states 
became  the  theater  of  the  important  operations  of  the 
British,  leaving  no  opportunity  for  the  American  troops 
to  distinguish  themselves  in  the  north.  Warner,  with 
the  Green-Mountain  Regiment,  was  in  constant  service 
on  the  Hudson  river  and  elsewhere,  as  the  exigencies  of 
the  country  required,  and  always  met  the  expectations 
of  the  great  Washington.  The  indefatigable  exertions 
of  Warner  in  the  cause  of  freedom,  and  the  constant 
exposure  and  fatigue  to  which  he  was  subjected, 
undermined  his  constitution,  and  he  returned  to  his 
family  at  Bennington,  toward  the  close  of  the  war,  a 
dying  man.  Disease  in  an  aggravated  form  had  struck 
its  fangs  into  his  system.  But  he  bore  the  distressing 
maladies  of  his  last  days  with  unbounded  fortitude. 
His  agonies  were  solaced  by  the  reflection  that  he  had 
discharged  his  duty  to  his  country,  and  had  successfully 
struggled  to  obtain  her  freedom.  He  was  saddened, 
however,  by  the  reflection  that  his  wife  and  three 
children  would  be  left  in  destitute  circumstances.  The- 
lands  which  he  once  owned,  had,  while  he  was  engaged 
in  active  service  at  the  head  of  his  regiment,  been 

with  inimical  persons  to  this  country,  and  with  them  monopolizing  the 
necessaries  of  life,  in  endeavoring  to  lessen  the  credit  of  the  continental 
currency,  and  in  particular,  hath  exerted  himself  in  the  most  falacious 
manner,  to  injure  the  property  and  character  of  some  of  the  most  zealous 
friends  to  the  independency  of  the  United  States,  and  of  this  State  like- 
wise ; all  which  inimical  conduct  is  against  the  peace  and  dignity  of  the 
freemen  of  this  State  : I therefore  pray  the  Honorable  Court  to  take  the 
matter  under  their  consideration,  and  make  confiscation  of  the  estate  of 
said  Levi  before  mentioned,  according  to  the  laws  and  customs  of  this 
State  in  such  case  made  and  provided. 


ETHAN  ALLEN. 


DEATH  OF  COLONEL  WARNER. 


395 


sold  for  taxes.  So  much  had  he  been  engrossed  by  his 
duties  as  a patriot,  that  he  thought  not  of  saving  his 
own  property  while  the  freedom  of  his  beloved  country 
was  endangered.  He  was  not  permitted  to  die  in  his 
senses.  Prior  to  his  decease,  he  was  the  victim  of  a 
raging  delirium ; and,  in  his  wild  imaginings,  fancied 
himself  at  the  head  of  his  regiment  of  Rangers,  and, 
on  his  dying  couch,  restrained  by  a constant  guard  ot 
able-bodied  men,  he  would  fight  his  battles  over  again. 
The  preternatural  strength  with  which  he  was  endowed, 
decreased,  at  last,  with  the  progress  of  his  insidious 
malady;  and  the  skillful  botanist,  whose  prescriptions 
had  prolonged  the  lives  of  others,  could  not  restore  his 
own  reason  or  save  his  own  life.  The  practiced 
huntsman,  the  sinews  of  whose  gigantic  frame  were 
hardened  in  the  hunting-grounds  of  Vermont,  and  who 
had  never  feared  the  face  of  any  man,  paled  and 
trembled  before  the  grim  visage  of  that  huntsman 
whose  name  is  Death. — His  earthly  doom  was  finally 
sealed  ! His  earthly  sands  had  run  out ! He  obeyed 
the  mandate  to  join  the  majority  — abiit  ad plures  — 
and  was  gathered  to  his  fathers  in  the  prime  of  life  — 
“ ere  his  eye  was  dim  or  his  natural  force  abated.” 
The  gold  was  refined  and  the  crucible  was  broken  ! 
The  toil-worn  body  was  laid  in  the  “narrow  house 
appointed  for  all  living,”  that  the  soul  might  escape 
into  life.  A short  time  before  his  death,  he  had 
removed  to  Roxbury,  Conn.,  and  there  his  ashes  were 
consigned  to  the  earth,  with  all  the  honors  of  war,  in  a 
grave  remote  from  the  hills  he  loved  so  well,  and  for 
whose  sake  he  had  yielded  up  his  life  in  the  bloom  of 
manhood.  On  a white  marble  memorial  stone  in 


396  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN -MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

Roxbury,  over  which  the  moss  has  been  suffered  to 
grow,  may  now  be  deciphered  with  much  pains-taking, 
the  following  inscription : 

In  memory  of 

COL.  SETH  WARNER,  ESQ., 

Who  departed  this  life,  December  26,  A.  D.  1784, 

In  the  42d  year  of  his  age. 

Triumphant  leader  at  our  armies’  head, 

Whose  martial  glory  struck  a panic  dread, 

Thy  warlike  deeds  engraven  on  this  stone, 

Tell  future  ages  what  a hero ’s  done. 

Full  sixteen  battles  he  did  fight, 

For  to  procure  his  country’s  right. 

Oh  ! this  brave  hero,  he  did  fall 
By  death,  who  ever  conquers  all. 

When  this  you  see,  remember  me. 

The  proprietors  of  several  townships  had  given  him 
tracts  of  land,  of  considerable  value,  as  a reward  for 
his  services  in  defense  of  the  New-Hampshire  Grants; 
but  the  greater  part,  if  not  all  of  them,  were  sold  for 
taxes,  and  his  heirs  never  received  any  considerable 
benefit  from  them.  In  1777,  the  legislature  of  Ver- 
mont generously  granted  to  his  heirs  2,000  acres  of 
land,  in  the  north-west  part  of  the  county  of  Essex.  It 
was  then  supposed  that  this  land  would  become  val- 
uable by  a settlement  of  that  part  of  the  county;  but 
vvrhen  that  section  of  the  state  was  explored,  this  tract 
of  land  was  found  to  be  of  little  or  no  value,  and  it 
yet  remains  unsettled.* 

* In  1786,  Mrs.  Warner  petitioned  congress  for  remuneration  for  the 
services  of  her  husband,  but  the  amount  of  relief  afforded  her  was  small. 
The  following  are  the  closing  sentences  of  her  memorial : " The  cir- 

cumstances of  your  disconsolate  petitioner  as  to  her  interest  and  circum- 
stances in  life,  will  appear  by  certificate  of  Daniel  Sherman,  judge  of 
probate,  herewith  transmitted,  by  which  your  honors  will  see  that  your 
unhappy  petitioner  hath  nothing  to  support  herself  and  three  children, 
only  her  own  industry  — having  two  sons  and  a daughter,  two  of  which 


COLONEL  WAKNEKS  WIDOW. 


397 


Although  the  current  of  the  war  swept  southward 
after  the  capture  of  Burgoyne,  the  people  of  Vermont, 
while  agitated  by  their  political  contest  with  the 
neighboring  states,  were  frequently  harassed  by  par- 
ties of  Indians  in  the  interest  of  the  British  crown, 
led  on  by  tories  even  more  fiendish  than  the  Indians 
themselves.  Nevertheless,  the  greater  portion  of  the 
inhabitants  who  had  fled  from  their  homes  on  the 
approach  of  Burgoyne,  returned  again  after  the  storm 

are  unable  to  earn  anything  by  their  labor.  Your  petitioner  would  fur- 
ther represent  to  your  honors,  that  the  colonel  was  so  taken  up  in  the 
defense  of  the  country  in  the  late  war,  that  he  wholly  neglected  his  own 
interest,  by  means  of  which  he  lost  much  of  his  estate,  as  it  lay  chiefly 
in  lands  of  the  state  of  Vermont,  for  want  of  taking  seasonable  care 
thereof,  and  although  your  petitioner  had  a hard  task  in  looking  after  the 
colonel  in  his  last  sickness,  as  the  colonel  lay  long  confined,  unable  to 
help  himself,  and  your  petitioner  had  the  unhappiness  to  see  her  dear 
companion,  as  it  were,  die  by  inches,  (as  a mortification  began  in  his  feet 
and  by  a slow  progress  proceeded  up  to  his  body,  which  continued  for 
months  before  it  put  an  end  to  his  valuable  life.)  Notwithstanding  your 
petitioner  had  the  chief  care  of  looking  after  her  dear  companion,  it 
yielded  her  some  consolation  that  she  had  the  opportunity  of  looking 
after  the  colonel  in  his  last  sickness.  Had  it  been  the  colonel’s  fate  to 
have  fallen  in  battle,  as  many  did  that  were  engaged  with  him,  your  pe- 
titioner is  informed  that  she  should  be  entitled  to  receive  some  gratuity 
from  your  honors.  Your  petitioner,  therefore,  can  but  hope  inasmuch  as 
the  death  of  her  dear  husband  was  in  consequence  of  the  wounds  and 
hardship  he  received  in  his  country’s  service  in  the  late  war,  your  honors 
will  be  graciously  pleased  to  take  her  distressed  circumstances  into  your 
wise  consideration  and  grant  her  such  a bounty  as  that  she  may  be  able 
to  support  herself  and  children,  and  give  them  such  education  as  that 
they  might  not  be  contemptible  among  the  human  race.  The  which 
your  petitioner  is  the  more  embolden  to  ask  your  honors,  as  she  hath 
been  informed  your  honors  have,  in  some  instances,  been  liberal  to  the 
posterity  of  those  who  have  distinguished  themselves  in  their  country’s 
service  in  the  late  war  — for  which,  as  in  duty  bound,  your  unhappy 
petitioner  shall  ever  pray.” 


398  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROE8. 


had  passed.  Those  on  the  frontiers  were  in  constant 
peril,  and  many  were  the  midnight  assaults  upon  their 
feeble  settlements,  and  many  were  the  occasions  upon 
which  their  fortitude  and  heroism  were  called  into 
action.  The  memory  of  most  of  these  has  been  lost 
in.  the  lapse  of  years.  Among  the  most  remarkable 
of  these  early  settlers,  who  are  yet  remembered,  was 
Mrs.  Storey,  of  Salisbury.  Her  husband  had  emi- 
grated to  the  Grants  at  an  early  day,  but  was  killed 
by  the  fall  of  a tree,  leaving  Mrs.  Storey  with  half  a 
score  of  children.  Thus  left  a widow,  she  endured 
almost  every  hardship,  laboring  in  the  field,  chopping 
down  timber  and  clearing  and  cultivating  the  soil. 
She  retreated  several  times  to  Pittsford  during  the 
Revolution,  on  account  of  the  danger  apprehended  from 
the  enemy,  but  at  length  she  and  a Mr.  Stevens  pre- 
pared themselves  a safe  retreat.  This  was  effected  by 
digging  a hole  horizontally  into  the  bank,  just  above 
the  water  of  Otter  creek,  barely  sufficient  to  admit  one 
person  at  a time.  This  passage  led  to  a spacious 
lodging-room,  the  bottom  of  which  was  covered  with 
straw,  and  upon  this  their  beds  were  laid  for  the  ac- 
commodation of  the  families.  The  entrance  was  con- 
cealed by  bushes  which  hung  over  it  from  the  bank 
above.  They  usually  retired  to  their  lodgings  in  the 
dusk  of  evening,  and  left  them  before  light  in  the 
morning,  and  this  was  effected  by  means  of  a canoe, 
so  that  no  path  or  footsteps  were  to  be  seen  leading  to 
their  subterraneous  abode.*  This  afforded  her  perfect 
security  during  the  continuance  of  the  war. 

*Mrs.  Storey  and  her  underground  room  occupy  a prominent  place  in  tho 
thrilling  novel  of  “ The  Green-Mountain  Boys,”  by  D.  P.  Thompson,  Esq 


ATTACK  ON  ROYA-LTON. 


309 


The  most  disastrous  incursion  of  the  Indians  against 
the  people  of  Vermont,  resulted  in  the  destruction  of 
the  town  of  Royalton.  In  the  beginning  of  October, 
1780;  an  expedition  was  planned  again&t  Newbury,  on 
Connecticut  river,  the  principal  object  of  which  was 
to  capture  a Lieutenant  Whitcomb,  who,  the  Cana- 
dians asserted,  had  mortally  wounded  and  robbed  a 
British  General  Gordon,  during  Montgomery’s  disas- 
trous campaign  several  years  before.  Against  this  man 
the  British  and  Indians  had  conceived  a violent  aver- 
sion, and  planned  the  present  expedition  in  order  to 
get  him  in  their  power.  The  expedition  consisted  of 
two  hundred  and  ten  men,  nearly  all  of  whom  were 
Indians,  under  the  command  of  a British  officer  named 
Horton.  # In  proceeding  up  Winooski  river,  they  fell 
in  with  two  hunters,  who  informed  them  that  the  peo- 
ple of  Newbury  were  expecting  an  attack,  and  had 
prepared  themselves  for  it  ; and  they  therefore  de- 
cided to  direct  their  course  toward  Royalton.  They 
found  the  inhabitants  wholly  unprepared  for  an  attack, 
and  an  easy  prey^to  their  rapacity.  After  destroying 
twenty  houses  at  Royalton  and  several  in  the  neigh- 
boring towns,  killing  some  persons  who  attempted  to 
escape,  and  taking  many  prisoners  and  much  plunder, 
they  commenced  a hasty  retreat.  The  news  quickly 
spread,  and  a party  of  the  resolute  inhabitants  of  neigh- 
boring towns  soon  assembled,  chose  a leader  and  com- 
menced pursuit.  So  great  was  their  dispatch  that 
they  soon  came  up  with  the  trail  of  the  savages,  in  the 
night,  who,  having  posted  their  sentries,  and  partaking 
excessively  of  the  intoxicating  portion  of  their  spoils, 
had  lain  down  to  rest,  not  dreaming  of  an  attack. 


400  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

Great  was  their  consternation  on  finding  that  theii 
sentries  were  fired  upon  ; but  with  savage  cunning 
they  sent  word  to  their  pursuers  that  if  attacked,  they 
would  put  all  the  prisoners  to  death  ; and  while  the 
subject  matter  of  this  threat  was  debating  among  their 
enemies,  they  picked  up  their  prisoners  and  camp- 
equipage,  and  made  a hasty  retreat  under  the  covei 
of  the  darkness.  In  the  morning  it  was  thought  use 
less  to  pursue  them,  and  the  party  returned.  Most  of 
the  prisoners  eventually  returned  from  captivity. 

Several  authentic  anecdotes  are  related  of  this 
expedition,  which  go  to  show  the  Indian  character  in 
a less  ferocious  light  than  it  has  generally  been  held, 
under  'similar  circumstances.  They  did  not  evince 
any  desire  to  molest  the  women  or  female  children. 
In  some  of  the  cases,  where  the  women  who  had  left 
their  burning  houses  stood  motionless  and  stupefied, 
not  knowing  what  to  do,  the  Indians  brought  them 
their  clothes,  with  the  assurance  that  “ Indian  would’nt 
hurt  ’em.”  One  woman  had  firmness  enough  to  re- 
proach them  for  their  conduct  in  burning  down  houses, 
and  taunted  them  for  not  daring  to  cross  the  river  and 
attack  the  men  at  the  fort.  They  bore  her  gibes  with 
the  utmost  patience,  and  only  replied  that  “sqtiaw 
should’nt  talk  too  much.”  Another  woman,  named 
Hannah  Handy,  whose  young  son  they  were  carrying 
off,  followed  them  with  another  child  in  her  arms,  and 
besought  them  to  return  her  little  boy.  They  com- 
plied ; and  following  up  her  success,  she  prevailed 
upon  them  to  give  up  ten  or  fifteen  of  the  children 
of  her  neighbors.  One  of  the  Indians  offered  to  carr; 
her  on  his  back  across  the  stream ; she  accepted  his 


ANECDOTES  OF  THE  INDIANS. 


401 


politeness,  and  though  the  water  was  up  to  his  waist, 
he  conveyed  her  over  in  safety,  and  she  returned  with 
her  little  band  of  boys,  to  the  surprise  and  joy  of  their 
parents. 

As  the  Indians  usually  sought  only  for  plunder,  and 
seldom  molested  women  or  children,  it  was  customary 
for  the  men,  when  their  settlements  were  attacked  by  a 
superior  force,  to  flee  into  the  woods  till  the  Indians  had 
performed  their  work  of  plunder.  At  one  time  a party 
of  them  entered  the  house  of  Mr.  Stone,  of  Bridgeport, 
giving  him  but  just  time  to  escape,  and  after  stripping 
it  of  every  thing  of  value  to  them,  the  principal,  San- 
hoop,  put  on  the  finest  shirt  it  afforded,  and  swaggering 
away  to  the  hogsty,  selected  the  best  hog,  and  officiated 
as  chief  butcher,  flourishing  his  fine  bloody  sleeves, 
while  his  comrades,  whooping  and  dancing,  carried  it 
away  to  their  canoes.  At  another  time,  a party  of  In- 
dians, coming  up  the  bank,  were  discovered  by  Mrs. 
Stone  in  season  to  throw  some  things  out  of  a back 
window  into  the  weeds,  put  a few  in  her  bosom,  and 
sit  down  to  her  carding.  The  Indians,  after  taking 
what  they  could  find  elsewhere,  came  around  Mrs. 
Stone  and  the  children.  One  of  them  seeming  to  sus- 
pect that  she  had  some  valuable  articles  concealed  about 
her  person,  attempted  to  pull  them  from  her  bosom; 
whereupon  6he  struck  him  on  the  face  with  her  card  so 
violently  that  he  withdrew  his  hand,  while  a tall  young 
savage  was  flourishing  his  tomahawk  over  her  head. 
Upon  this  an  old  Indian  cried  out,  “ Good  squaw,  good 
squaw”  and  burst  into  a laugh  of  derision  at  his  com- 
panions for  being  beaten.  On  another  occasion,  pre- 
vious to  the  evacuation  of  Ticonderoga  by  the  British, 


4-02  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

a party  of  Americans  plundered  the  house  of  a tory. 
by  the  name  of  Prindle,  who  was  a neighbor  to  Mr. 
Stone.  Prindle,  not  owning  the  house,  set  it  on  fne, 
and,  retreating  on  board  a British  armed  vessel  on  the 
lake,  implicated  Mr.  Stone  in  the  robbery  and  burn- 
ing. He,  anticipating  mischief,  kept  in  the  bushes  near 
the  bank  to  observe  their  movements,  where  the  British 
discovered  him,  and  let  off  a volley  of  grape-shot, which 
struck  among  the  trees  above  him,  and  also  fired  upon 
his  house,  some  of  the  shot  entering  the  room  where  the 
family  was.  They  then  sent  a boat  on  shore,  took 
Mr.  Stone  and  carried  him  a prisoner  to  Ticonderoga, 
where  he  remained  three  weeks.  Mrs.  Stone  expecting 
he  would  be  sent  to  Quebec,  went  to  him  in  a canoe,  a 
distance  of  twelve  miles,  with  no  other  company  than 
her  brother,  a lad  only  ten  years  old,  to  carry  him 
clothes,  leaving  her  two  children,  the  oldest  but  four 
years  old,  alone  at  home.  She  had  to  tarry  all  night 
before  she  could  gain  admittance.  On  her  return  she 
found  her  children  safe,  the  oldest  having  understood 
enough  of  her  directions  to  feed  and  take  care  of  the 
younger.* 

In  1777,  the  town  of  Brandon  was  visited  by  a party 
of  Indians,  who  killed  two  men,  George  and  Aaron 
Bobins,  made  prisoners  of  most  of  the  other  inhabit- 
ants, and  set  fire  to  their  dwellings  and  to  a saw-mill 
which  they  had  erected.  Joseph  Barker,  his  wife,  and 
a child  eighteen  months  old,  were  among  the  prisoners. 
Mrs.  Barker,  not  being  in  a condition  to  traverse  the 

# See  Thompson’s  Gazetteer  of  Vermont — one  of  the  most  complete 
and  interesting  works  of  the  kind,  which  should  be  in  the  hands  of 
every  one  proud  of  the  name  of  Vermonter 


ADVERSE  CLAIMS  ON  VERMONT. 


403 


wilderness,  was  set  at  liberty  with  her  child.  The  next 
night,  witl*  no  other  shelter  than  the  trees  of  the  forest 
and  the  canopy  of  heaven,  and  with  no  other  comj  any 
than  the  infant  above  named,  she  had  another  child. 
She  was  found  the  following  day  and  removed  with  het 
children  to  Pittsford.  Mr.  Barker  was  carried  to  Mid- 
dlebury,  where,  feigning  to  be  sick,  he  succeeded  in 
the  night  in  making  his  escape,  and  arrived  safely  at 
Pittsford. 

The  rival  claims  of  New  York  and  New  Hampshire 
to  the  territory  of  Yermont,  came  near  proving  fatal 
to  the  separate  identity  of  the  infant  state.  A propo- 
sition was  made  that  they  should  authorize  congress  to 
arbitrate  between  them,  in  which  court  the  matter 
would  doubtless  have  been  compromised  by  giving 
New  York  the  west  and  New  Hampshire  the  east  slope 
of  the  Green  Mountains.  To  such  a division  of  Yer- 
mont, both  states  were  willing  to  accede.  But  in  this 
emergency  Massachusetts  interfered,  and  brought  for- 
ward a third  claim  to  the  territory  in  dispute,  founded 
on  the  fact  that  the  original  grant  to  Mason,  of  the 
colony  of  New  Hampshire,  extended  only  sixty  miles 
from  the  ocean,  and  that  all  west  of  Mason’s  line  be- 
longed to  Massachusetts — that  its  right  had  not  only 
been  conceded  by  New  Hampshire,  but  by  the  crown, 
because,  while  the  former  had  distinctly  declined  to 
support  Fort  Dummer  on  the  ground  that  it  was  be- 
yond its  jurisdiction,  the  crown  had  decided  that  it 
belonged  to  Massachusetts  to  maintain  that  important 
frontier  post,  which  was  done  at  a great  expense.  This 
claim  was  certainly  more  plausible  than  either  of  the 
others,  because  Massachusetts  had  been  the  first  actual 


4:04  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

occupant  of  the  territory,  and  had  defended  it  against 
the  common  enemy.  The  original  charters  from  the 
crown  were  ambiguous  and  even  contradictory,  and 
were  quite  as  favorable  to  the  claims  of  Massachusetts 
as  to  those  of  either  of  the  other  states.  That  Massa- 
chusetts really  wished  to  enforce  this  claim  is  not  sup- 
posed, for  the  statesmen  from  that  glorious  colony  were 
favorable  to  the  independence  of  Vermont,  and  their 
movement  had  the  effect,  which  was  undoubtedly  its 
object,  of  saving  Vermont  from  dismemberment  by 
congress.  Massachusetts  declining  to  submit  its  claims 
to  the  arbitrament  of  congress,  relieved  the  young 
6tate  from  the  impending  peril.  The  question  was  one 
of  great  delicacy  for  congress.  Every  exertion  was 
required  to  defend  the  country  against  the  British  arms, 
and  the  imminent  danger  that  -would  occur  from  arous- 
ing the  enmity  of  either  New  York  or  New  Hampshire 
must  be  its  apology  for  pursuing  a vacillating  and  in- 
decisive course  in  regard  to  the  difficult  question  urged 
upon  it  by  the  conflicting  parties.  Under  the  pressure 
of  these  circumstances,  congress,  in  1780,  passed  a res- 
olution declaring  the  course  of  Vermont  to  be  “subver- 
sive of  the  peace  and  welfare  of  the  United  States.” 
Although  its  representatives  had  been  excluded  from 
any  participation  in  the  councils  of  the  nation,  the 
fidelity  of  Vermont  to  the  cause  of  freedom  and  the 
country  was  unquestioned,  for  its  heroes  had  given  the 
most  signal  and  important  proofs  of  this.  It  is  not 
surprising,  however,  that  when  the  above-named  reso- 
lution was  adopted  by  congress,  Governor  Chittenden 
should  have  replied,  that  if  Vermont  was  not  included 
in  the  United  States,  it  was  at  liberty  to  offer  or  accept 


INDEPENDENCE  OF  VERMONTERS.  40$ 

terms  foi  the  cessation  of  hostilities  with  Great  Britain. 
But,  he  added,  the  people  of  Vermont  were  so  strongly 
attached  to  libgrty  that  they  would  again  ask  to  be  ad- 
mitted to  the  colonial  union.  Ira  Allen  and  Stephen 
R.  Bradley  were  deputed  as  agents  to  renew  this  pro- 
position to  congress.  The  consideration  of  the  repre- 
sentations of  these  agents  was  indefinitely  postponed, 
and  the  question  was  left  undetermined. 

Vermont  was  fortunate  in  having  statesmen  who  pos- 
sessed the  courage  and  the  ability  requisite  to  the  de- 
fense of  its  just  rights.  Despite  the  arms  of  New  York 
and  New  Hampshire,  and  the  frowns  of  congress,  they 
found  the  means  to  successfully  maintain  the  independ- 
ence of  the  little  community  for  which  they  acted.  They 
now  resorted  to  a course  of  policy  which  placed  them 
in  a more  powerful  attitude,  and  determined  to  enforce 
a compliance  with  their  demands.  The  towns  in  New 
Hampshire,  which  had  once  been  accepted  as  a portion 
of  Vermont  and  afterward  excluded  by  a resolution 
of  the  legislature,  again  solicited  to  have  its  juris- 
diction extended  over  them.  This  was  done.  The 
government  of  Vermont  then  turned  westward  with 
a view  to  a further  extension  of  its  limits.*  After 
consultation  with  the  people  in  that  portion  of  New 

* The  following  spirited  lines,  the  authorof  which  is  unknown,  very  hap- 
pily express  the  sentiments  of  the  Vermonters  during  that  trying  period : 
Ho  — all  to  the  borders  1 Vermonters,  come  down, 

With  your  breeches  of  deer  skin,  and  jackets  of  brown  ; 

With  your  red  woolen  caps,  and  your  moccasins,  come 
To  the  gathering  summons  of  trumpet  and  drum  1 

Come  down  with  your  rifles ! — let  gray  wolf  and  fox 
Howl  on  in  the  shade  of  their  primitive  rocks  ; 

18 


4-06  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

York,  Vermont  boldly  claimed  that  its  boundary  line 
extended  from  the  point  where  the  Massachusetts  line 
would  touch  the  Hudson,  thence  up  that  river  to  its 

Let  the  bear  feed  securely  from  pig-pen  and  stall ; 

Here ’s  a two-legged  game  for  your  powder  and  ball ! 

On  our  south  come  the  Dutchmen,  enveloped  in  grease  ; 

And,  arming  for  battle,  while  canting  of  peace  ; 

On  our  east,  crafty  Meshech  has  gathered  his  band, 

To  hang  up  our  leaders,  and  eat  out  our  land. 

Ho  — all  to  the  rescue  ! For  Satan  shall  work 
No  gain  for  his  legions  of  Hampshire  and  York  1 
They  claim  our  possessions  — the  pitiful  knaves  — 

The  tribute  we  pay,  shall  be  prisons  and  graves  l 

Let  Clinton  and  Ten  Broek,  with  bribes  in  their  hands, 

Still  seek  to  divide  us,  and  parcel  our  lands  ; — 

We  ’ve  coats  for  our  traitors,  whoever  they  are ; 

The  warp  is  of  feathers  — the  filling  of  tar  / 

Does  the  "Old  Bay  State  ” threaten  ? Does  Congress  complain 
Swarms  Hampshire  in  arms  ou  our  borders  again  ? 

Bark  the  war-dogs  of  Britain  aloud  on  the  lake  ? 

Let  ’em  come  ! — what  they  can,  they  are  welcome  to  take. 

What  seek  they  among  us  ? The  pride  of  our  wealth 
Is  comfort,  contentment,  and  labor  and  health  ; 

And  lands  which,  as  Freemen,  we  only  have  trod. 

Independent  of  all,  save  the  mercies  of  God. 

Yet  we  owe  no  allegiance  ; we  bow  to  no  throne ; 

Our  ruler  is  law,  and  the  law  is  our  own  ; 

Our  leaders  themselves  are  our  own  fellow-men, 

Who  can  handle  the  sword,  or  the  sythe,  or  the  pen. 

Our  wives  are  all  true,  and  our  daughters  are  fair, 

With  their  blue  eyes  of  smiles,  and  their  light  flowing  hair 
All  brisk  at  their  wheels  till  the  dark  even -fall, 

Then  blithe  at  the  sleigh-ride,  the  husking,  and  ball ! 


A POETIC  APPEAL. 


407 


source,  and  from  its  source  due  north  to  the  Canada 
line,  comprising  all  the  land  east  of  the  Hudson,  and 
for  thirty  miles  west  of  Lake  Champlain,  thus  doubling 

We ’ve  sheep  on  the  hill-sides  : we’ve  cows  on  the  plain  ; 

And  gay-tasseled  corn-fields,  and  rank-growing  grain  ; 

There  are  deer  on  the  mountains  ; and  wood-pigeons  fly 
From  the  crack  of  our  muskets,  like  clouds  in  the  sky. 

And  there 's  fish  in  our  streamlets  and  rivers,  which  take 
Their  course  from  the  hills  to  our  broad-bosomed  lake ; 

Through  rock-arched  Winooski  the  salmon  leaps  free, 

And  the  portly  shad  follows  all  fresh  from  the  sea. 

Like  a sunbeam  the  pickerel  glides  through  his  pool  • 

And  the  spotted  trout  sleeps  where  the  water  is  cool, 

Or  darts  from  his  shelter  of  rock  and  of  root 
At  the  beaver’s  quick  plunge,  or  the  angler's  pursuit. 

And  ours  are  the  mountains,  which  awfully  rise 

Till  they  rest  their  green  heads  on  the  blue  of  the  skies ; 

And  ours  are  the  forests,  unwasted,  unshorn, 

Save  where  the  wild  path  of  the  tempest  is  torn. 

And  tfiough  savage  and  wild  be  this  climate  of  ours, 

And  brief  be  our  season  of  fruits  and  of  flowers, 

Far  dearer  the  blast  round  our  mountains  which  raves, 

Than  the  sweet  summer  zephyr,  which  breathes  over  slaves. 

Hurra  for  Vermont  ! for  the  land  which  we  till 
Must  have  sons  to  defend  her  from  valley  and  hill ; 

Leave  the  harvest  to  rot  on  the  field  where  it  grows, 

And  the  reaping  of  wheat  for  the  reaping  of  foes. 

Far  from  Michiscoui’s  valley,  to  where 
Foosoomsuck  steals  down  from  his  wood-circled  lair, 

From  Shocticook  river  to  Lutterlock  town, — 

Ho — all  to  the  rescue  1 Vermonters,  come  down  I 

Come  York  or  come  Hampshire, — come  traitors  and  knaves  ; 

If  ye  rule  o’er  our  land,  ye  shall  rule  o’er  our  graves; 

Our  vow  is  recorded  — our  banner  unfurled  ; 

In  the  name  of  Vermont  we  defv  all  the  icoildl 


408  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

the  former  limits  of  the  state.  .Notwithstanding  the 
difficulties  which  surrounded  the  people  of  Yermont, 
the  New-Hampshire  towns  on  its  east  border,  and  the 
New-York  towns  on  its  western  limits,  which  were 
thus  summarily  annexed,  were  eager  for  their  union 
What  arguments  could  have  been  urged  to  induce  them 
to  join  their  fortunes  with  those  of  Yermont,  it  is  not 
easy  to  imagine.  The  fact  gives,  at  all  events,  a strik- 
ing proof  of  the  skill  of  the  trusted  leaders  of  the 
Green-Mountain  Boys. 

The  British,  ready  to  avail  themselves  of  every  ad- 
vantage which  the  Yermont  difficulties  might  yield 
them,  were  gradually  increasing  their  force  in  Canada, 
and  another  campaign  against  the  northern  frontier 
was  unquestionably  determined  on.  The  indications 
of  this  were  alarming.  Knowing  the  effect  that  the 
apprehension  of  this  would  have  upon  the  people, 
the  British  generals  entertained  the  hope  that  they 
might  detach  Yermont  from  the  United  States  and 
make  it  a British  possession.  In  the  expectation  of  ac- 
complishing this,  Colonel  Beverly  Johnson  wrote  a let- 
ter to  Ethan  Allen,  dated  March  30,  1780.  He  began 
his  letter  by  expressing  a wish  that  his  proposals  might 
be  received  with  the  same  good  intention  with  which 
they  were  made.  He  then  proceeds: — “I  have  often 
been  informed  that  you  and  most  of  the  inhabitants 
of  Yermont,  are  opposed  to  the  wild  and  chimerical 
scheme  of  the  Americans  in  attempting  to  separate 
from  Great  Britain  and  establish  an  independent  gov- 
ernment of  their  own ; and  that  you  would  willingly 
assist  in  uniting  America  to  Great  Britain,  and  in 
restoring  that  happy  constitution  so  wantonly  and 


BRITISH  OVERTURES  TO  ALLEN. 


409 


unadvisedly  destroyed.  If  I have  been  rightly  informed, 
and  these  should  be  your  sentiments  and  inclination,  I 
beg  that  you  will  communicate  to  me  without  reserve, 
whatever  proposals  you  would  wish  to  make  to  the 
commander-in-chief;  and  I hereby  promise  that  I will 
faithfully  lay  them  before  him  according  to  your  direc- 
tions, and  flatter  myself  I can  do  it  with  as  good  effect 
as  any  person  whatever.  I can  make  no  proposals  to 
you  until  I know  your  sentiments ; but  think,  upon 
your  taking  an  active  part,  and  embodying  the  inhab- 
itants of  Vermont  under  the  crown  of  England,  you 
may  obtain  a separate  government  under  the  king.  If 
you  should  think  proper  to  send  a friend  here  with 
proposals  to  the  general,  he  shall  be  protected,  and 
allowed  to  return  whenever  he  pleases.” 

Allen  communicated  the  contents  of  this  letter  to 
Governor  Chittenden,  and  it  was  decided  that  no 
answer  should  be  returned.  In  February,  1781, 
Johnson  again  wrote  to  Allen,  renewing  his  former 
proposal.  Allen  communicated  these  letters  to  con- 
gress, with  a powerful  letter  vindicating  the  policy  of 
Vermont.  He  closed  it  with  the  following  striking 
sentences:  “I  am  confident  that  congress  will  not 
dispute  my  sincere  attachment  to  the  cause  of  my 
country,  though  I do  not  hesitate  to  say,  I am  fully 
'grounded  in  opinion,  that  Vermont  has  an  indubitable 
right  to  agree  on  terms  of  a cessation  of  hostilities 
with  Great  Britain,  provided  the  United  States  persist 
in  rejecting  her  application  for  a union  with  them. 
For  Vermont  would  be,  of  all  people,  most  miserable, 
were  she  obliged  to  defend  the  independence  of  the 
United  claiming  States,  and  they  be,  at  the  same  time, 


410  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

at  full  liberty  to  overturn  and  ruin  the  independence  of 
Vermont.  When  congress  consider  the  circumstances 
of  this  6tate,  they  will,  I am  persuaded,  be  more  sur- 
prised that  I have  transmitted  them  the  inclosed  letters, 
than  that  I have  kept  them  in  custody  so  long ; for  I 
am  as  resolutely  determined  to  defend  the  independ- 
ence of  Vermont,  as  congress  is  that  of  the  United 
States ; and  rather  than  fail,  I will  retire  with  the 
hardy  Green-Mountain  Boys  into  the  desolate  caverns 
of  the  mountains,  and  wage  war  with  human  nature 
at  large.” 

Soon  after,  the  British,  under  the  command  of  Gen- 
eral Haldimand,  appeared  in  great  force  at  the  north 
end  of  Lake  Champlain.  Governor  Chittenden  sent  a 
flag  of  truce,  proposing  an  exchange  of  prisoners. 
General  Haldimand  returned  a favorable  reply,  and 
Colonel  Ira  Allen  and  Major  Joseph  Fay  were  ap- 
pointed commissioners  on  the  part  of  Vermont,  to 
negotiate  the  exchange.  During  the  interview  with 
the  British  agents,  the  latter  renewed  the  proposal  for 
Vermont  to  place  itself  under  the  royal  authority. 
Allen  and  Fay,  without  committing  themselves,  left 
the  impression  upon  the  minds  of  the  British  generals 
that  the  proposed  arrangement  might  be  perfected. 
This  was  done  because  Vermont  had  no  other  way  of 
protecting  itself  against  an  army  of  ten  thousand 
royal  troops,  which  had  been  poured  into  Canada. 
Accordingly,  a formal  attempt  at  negotiation  was 
made — Allen  and  Fay  being  secretly  appointed  com- 
missioners by  Governor  Chittenden,  and  General 
Haldimand  acting  for  the  British.  Their  negotiations 
were  continued  for  a long  period,  and  their  existence 


VERMONT  LEADERS  VINDICATED.  411 

has  been  adduced  by  historians  as  evidence  of  a dis- 
position on  the  part  of  the  Vermont  leaders  to  join 
the  enemy.  The  full  history  of  these  events,  when 
properly  written,  will  show  that  the  odium  thus  cast 
upon  the  names  of  these  men  is  grossly  unjust ; that 
they  were  not  only  inspired  by  the  purest  devotion  to 
the  cause  of  liberty,  but  that  their  policy  actually  kept 
at  bay  a large  hostile  army,  which  otherwise  would 
have  been  able  to  march  through  the  northern  portion 
of  the  union,  (Washington  being  employed  at  the  south,) 
and  to  crush  the  hopes  of  freedom.  The  following 
papers,  never  before  published,  which  have  been 
politely  furnished  for  these  pages  by  the  Hon.  Henry 
Stevens,  the  distinguished  and  indefatigable  Vermont 
antiquary,  from  his  very  large  and  rich  collection  of 
documents  in  reference  to  the  early  history  of  Vermont, 
will  not  only  prove  this  assertion,  but  serve  to  show, 
when  the  history  of  Chittenden,  the  Allens,  and  other 
Vermont  leaders  of  that  day  is  properly  viewed,  that 
chey  performed  services  in  behalf  of  their  country, 
which  entitle  them  to  the  lasting  admiration  and 
gratitude  of  those  who  enjoy  the  blessings  of  the 
freedom  which  their  services  so  greatly  aided  in 
establishing.  Numbers  I.  and  H.  are  the  commis- 
sions furnished  to  Allen  and  Fay ; number  III.  is 
General  Haldimand’s  commission  to  the  British  agent ; 
and  number  IV.  is  the  report  of  interviews  with  Allen 
and  Fay,  as  given  to  General  Haldimand  by  his  agent. 

I. 

State  of  Vermont , June , 1781. 

Whereas  Col.  Ira  Allen  has  been  with  a Flag  to  the 
Province  of  Quebeck  for  the  Purpose  of  settling  a 


412  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 


Cartel  or  Exchange 


Policy  by  Feigning  or 


Prisoners  and  has  used  his  best 
Endeavouring  to  make  them 
believe  that  the  State  of  Vermont  had  a Desire  to*Ne- 

fociate  a Treaty  of  Peace  with  Brittain  — thereby  to 
Tevent  their  Immediate  Invasion  or  Incursion  upon 
the  Frontiers  of  this  State  as  appears  by  the  Letter  he 
sent  to  General  Haldimand  Dated  May  8th,  1781  In- 
closing a copy  of  Col.  Beverly  Robinson’s  Letter  to 
Gen’l  Allen  and  General  Allen’s  Letter  to  Congress  aa 
also  a Letter  of  Col.  Allen  sent  to  Congress  and  the 
resolutions  of  the  Assembly  of  Vermont  approbating 
the  same,  as  also  the  circular  Letter  to  the  several 
States  Delivered  to  Dundas  according  to  his  Verbal 
Report  made  us  this  Day — we  are  of  the  opinion  that 
the  critical  circumstances  this  State  is  in  being  out  of 
union  with  the  United  States  and  thereby  unable  to 
make  that  Vigorous  Defence  we  could  wish  for — think 
it  to  be  a Necessary  Political  manceuver  to  save  the 
Frontiers  of  this  State. 

Jonas  Fay  Tho’s  Chittenden 

Sam’l  Safford  Moses  Robinson 

Sam’l  Robinson  Tim’y  Brownson 

Joseph  Fay  John  F asset. 


II. 

State  of  Vermont , 10  July , 1781. 

Whereas  this  State  is  not  in  union  with  the  United 
States  altho’  often  Requested  &c. 

This  the  British  Power  are  acquainted  with  and  are 
endeavouring  to  take  the  advantage  of  these  disputes 
Thereby  to  court  a connection  with  this  State  on  the 
Principle  of  Establishing  it  a British  Province  — from 
various  accounts  we  are  well  assured  that  the  British 
have  a force  in  Canada  larger  than  this  State  can  at 
present  raise  and  support  in  the  field  and  this  State 
having  no  assurance  of  any  assistance  from  any  or 
either  of  the  United  States  however  hard  the  British 
forces  may  crowd  on  this  State  from  the  Province  of 
Quebeck  by  the  advantage  of  the  waters  of  Lake 
Champlain  &c.  Altho’  several  Expresses  have  been 
sent  bv  the  Gov’r  of  this  State  to  several  of  tho 


THE  BRITISH  TREAT  FOR  VERMONT. 


413 


respective  Gov’rs  of  the  United  States  with  the  most  ur- 
gent requests  to  know  whether  any  assistance  would  be 
afforded  in  such  case  and  no  official  answer  has  been 
made  by  either  of  them. 

Wherefore  we  the  subscribers  do  fully  approbate 
Col.  Ira  Allen  sending  a Letter  dated  Sunderland  July 
10th  1781  and  directed  to  General  Iialdimand  and 
another  Letter  to  Captain  Justice  Sherwood,  Purport- 
ing an  Intention  of  this  State’s  becoming  a British 
Province  &c.  This  we  consider  as  a Political  proceed- 
ure  to  prevent  the  British  forces  invading  this  State 
and  being  a necessary  step  to  Preserve  this  State  from 
Ruin  when  we  have  too  much  reason  to  apprehend 
that  this  has  been  the  wishes  of  some  of  our  assuming 
neighbours  in  the  mean  time  to  strengthen  the  State 
against  any  Insult  until  this  State  receive  better  treat- 
ment from  the  United  States  or  obtain  a seat  in 
Congress. 

Tko’s  Chittenden  J.  Fay 

John  Fasset  Sam’l  Robinson 

Tim’y  Brownson  Joseph  Fay. 

III. 

“ Having  given  you  full  power  in  my  name  to  nego- 
tiate in  conjunction  with  M with  the  people  of 

Vermont,  for  the  exchange  of  prisoners  by  my  Letter 
of  the  29th  October.  I now  instruct  you  in  what  you 
may  assure  and  promise  to  them  as  the  means  of  ac- 
commodation, and  their  return  to  their  allegiance. 
Sensible  of  the  Injustice  which  Individuals  in  the  Hew 
York  Government  attempted  against  them  in  soliciting 
and  obtaining  Grants  of  Lands  which  had  in  conse- 
quence of  Grants  from  Hew  Hampshire  been  culti- 
vated by  the  labour  and  industry  of  the  Inhabitants  of 
the  Green  Mountains,  1 always  regretted  the  measures 
which  were  taken  by  the  Government  of  Hew  York 
and  felt  compassion  for  the  unhappy  people,  who  were 
the  objects  of  them  — I have  always  been  of  opinion 
that  a people  who  during  the  last  war  were  so  readv 
on  every  occasion  to  oppose  the  Enemies  of  Great  Brit- 
ain and  never  have  been  prevailed  upon  to  seperate 

18* 


414  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

themselves  from  a Country  with  which  they  were  inti- 
mately connected  by  religion  laws  and  language  had 
their  properties  been  secured  to  them.  It  is  therefore 
with  great  cheerfulness  that  I authorise  you  to  give 
these  people  the  most  positive  assurances  that  their 
country  will  be  ejected  into  a seperate  province,  inde- 
pendant and  unconnected  with  every  Government  in 
America,  and  will  be  entitled  to  every  prerogative  and 
Immunity  which  is  promised  to  other  Provinces  in  your 
Proclamation  of  the  King’s  Commissioners.  This  I 
hope  will  be  sufficient  to  remove  every  jealousy  of 
Great  Britain  wishing  to  deprive  them  of  their  Liber- 
ties or  of  my  ever  becoming  an  Instrument  to  oppress 
them.  I sincerely  wish  to  bring  back  to  their  allegi- 
ance brave  and  unhappy  people,  so  that  they  may  en- 
joy the  Blessings  of  peace  Liberty  and  an  honest 
Industry.  From  the  report  you  made  me,  I consider 
these  people  as  sincere  and  candid  in  their  proposi- 
tions. I will  therefore  act  towards  them  with  the  sin- 
cerity of  a Soldier  unpractised  in  deceits  and  chicane, 
and  you  may  assure  them  that  I would  be  sorry  to  en- 
gage them  in  any  enterprise  which  might  prove  ruin- 
ous to  them.  1 am  sensible  that  their  situation  is 
delicate  that  the  utmost  caution  is  necessary  not  only 
with  regard  to  the  powerful  Enemies  which  surround 
them,  but  with  regard  to  their  own  people,  whose  pre- 
judices are  great  and  many,  and  who  cannot  at  first 
view,  see  the  advantages  which  will  accrue  to  America 
in  general  as  well  as  to  themselves  in  particular  from 
a reconciliation  with  the  mother  Country.  I am  so 
much  convinced  of  the  present  infatuation  of  these  peo- 
ple, and  so  far  removed  from  expecting  that  the  people 
with  whom  you  negotiate  will  betray  any  trust  reposed 
in  them  that  I agree  that  this  negotiation  should  cease 
and  any  step  that  leads  to  it  be  forgotten,  provided  the 
Congress  shall  grant  the  State  of  Vermont  a Seat  in 
their  Assembly,  and  acknowledge  its  independency.  I 
trust  that  time,  and  other  methods,  will  bring  about  a 
reconciliation,  and  a return  to  their  allegiances,  and 
hope,  and  expect,  they  will  act  towards  me  with  the 
6ame  frankness  and  sincerity,  and  apprise  me  by  your 


IRA  ALLEN’S  NEGOTIATION. 


415 


means  of  their  intentions,  prospects  and  measures,  so 
that  I may  be  more  able  to  assist  them. 

“ In  order  to  entitle  the  Inhabitants  of  the  State  of 
Vermont  to  the  provisions  of  Half  Pay  which  His  Ma- 
jesty has  been  pleased  to  make  to  the  officers  of  Pro- 
vincial Corps  who  take  arms  in  support  of  his  Govern- 
ment, I propose  to  raise  two  Battallions  consisting  of 
Ten  Companies  each  to  be  commanded  by  Messrs  Al- 
len and  Chittenden  or  any  other  whom  the  Governor 
and  Council  of  Vermont  shall  appoint  with  the  rank 
and  pay  of  Lieutenant  Colonels  Commandants  of  which 
I shall  myself  be  Colonel,  but  to  which  the  Lieutenant 
Colonels  Commandants  shall,  subject  to  my  approba- 
tion, have  the  Appointment  of  the  Officers  and  if  the 
defence  of  the  state  should  require  it  more  will  here- 
after be  raised  on  the  same  footing. 

“For  the  further  encouragement  of  the  persons  who 
shall  exert  themselves  in  promoting  the  happy  re-union 
I promise  besides  the  above  appointments,  that  they 
shall  have  Gratuities  suitable  to  their  merits. 

F.  Haldimand. 

Quebec,  20th  December,  1780.” 

LV. 

Substance  of  what  passed  in  Conference  with  Col.  Ira 
Allen , between  the  8th  and  25 th  of  May , 1781.*  \ 

“ 8th.  Colonel  Allen  says,  he  is  not  authorised  to 
treat  of  a Union,  but  is  verbally  instructed  by  Gov- 
ernor Chittenden  and  General  Allen  to  lay  their  pres- 
ent situation  before  General  Haldimand,  and  to  inform 
him  that  matters  are  not  yet  ripe  for  any  permanent 
proposals,  that  they  with  some  part  of  the  Council,  are 
anxious  to  bring  about  a neutrality,  being  fully  con- 
vinced that  Congress  never  intended  to  admit  them  as 
a State,  but  they  dare  not  make  any  agreement  with 
Britain  until  the  populace  are  better  modelled  for  the 
purpose ; wish,  however,  to  settle  a Cartel  for  the  Ex- 
change of  Prisoners,  and  thereby  keep  open  a door  for 

* Want  of  room  compels  the  omission  of  a portion  of  this  document ; 
the  most  important  portion,  and  the  spirit  of  the  whole  are  given. 


416  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

further  negociation.  * * 10th.  Walked  and  discoursed 
fully  with  Colonel  Allen.  He  is  very  cautious  and  in- 
tricate. I urged  hirn  to  make  some  proposals,  telling 
him  it  is  now  in  the  power  of  Vermont  to  become  a 
Glorious  Government  under  Great  Britain  — to  be  the 
Seat  of  peace  and  plenty,  with  every  degree  of  Liberty 
that  a free  people  can  wish  to  enjoy.  That  he  must 
see  General  Haldimand  had  in  his  instructions  to  me, 
conceded  every  thing  he  could  in  reason  ask  or  expect. 
He  replied  General  Haldimand  did  not  allow  them  to 
choose  their  own  Governor,  a privilege  they  never  could 
relinquish  with  propriety:  that  when  they  were  ripe  for 
proposals  they  could  not  go  farther  than  Neutrality 
during  the  War,  at  the  end  of  which  they  must  as  a sep- 
erate  Government  be  subject  to  the  then  ruling  power 
if  that  power  would  give  them  a free  Charter  in  every 
sense  of  the  word  ; but  if  not,  they  would  return  to 
the  Mountains,  turn  Savages,  and  fight  tlffe  Devil,  Hell 
and  Human  Nature  at  large.  I told  him  Vermont 
could  not  accomplish  those  extravagant  flights  : * * 

I did  not  pretend  to  know  how  far  these  Chimeras 
might  intimidate  Congress,  but  I could  assure  him 
General  Haldimand  had  too  much  experience  and  good 
sense  to  take  any  further  notice  of  them  than  by  that 
Contempt  they  meritted.  Colonel  Allen  now  began  to 
reason  with  more  coolness,  and  made  up  a long  chain 
of  arguments  advanced  by  General  Allen  to  me  at 
Castletown.  I told  him  those  arguments  had  already 
been  exhibited  to  General  Haldimand,  and  were  then 
satisfactory  to  him,  but  I was  certain  the  General  would 
now  expect  some  further  advances ; would  therefore 
advise  him,  if  he  could  not  •make  any  propositions  in 
behalf  of  Vermont  to  give  his  Excellency  some  reasons 
why  he  did  not.  The  conversation  again  became  warm 
and  spirited. 

******** 

“ 11th.  Colonel  Allen  observed  he  did  not  think  the 
parliament  had  passed  any  Act  in  favor  of  Vermont.  I 
answered  I did  not  think  the  Parliament  of  Great  Britain 
lias  yet  considered  Vermont  of  consequence  enough 
to  engross  the  attention  of  that  Assembly.  He  replied 


cM 

INTERVIEW  WITH  ENGLISH  AGEXT.  417 

in  his  opinion  Vermont  must  be  considered  of  conse- 
quence enough  to  engross  the  attention  of  Parliament 
before  any  permanent  Union  can  take  place  between 
Great  Britain  and  that  people.  12th.  This  day  had  a 
long  and  very  friendly  conference  with  Colonel  Allen. 
He  seems  anxious  to  convince  me  that  a respectable 
number  of  the  leading-Men  of  Vermont  are  endeavour- 
ing to  bring  about  a Union  by  way  of  Neutrality. 
He  appears  less  reserved,  and  again  repeated  the  Ar- 
guments advanced  by  General  Allen  respecting  the 
impossibility  of  an  Union  with  Great  Britain  until 
Vermont  had  fortified  herself  against  the  neighbour- 
ing States  by  a firm  internal  Union  and  observed  they 
must  firmly  unite  the  extra  Territories  lately  taken  in 
and  form  the  population  into  a proper  system  for  such 
a revolution.  * * * Allen  thinks  when  the  Western 
Union  is  complete  they  can  raise  Ten  Thousand  fighting 
Men.  He  says  this  great  and  sudden  revolution  has 
been  brought  about  upon  the  principles  of  an  Union 
with  Great  Britain,  or  at  least  of  Vermont  being  a neu- 
tral power  during  the  War.  Allen  does  not  aggree 
with  Mr.  Johnson  that  the  Majority  wish  to  compromise 
with  Britain,  but  says  their  prejudices  are  yet  so  great 
that  it  would  not  be  safe  to  propose  it  but  to  a few  of 
the  population  and  they  have  not  yet  dared  to  mention 
it  to  half  of  the  ruling  Men. 

13th.  Colonel  Allen  still  appears  desirous  to  con- 
vince me  that  the  principal  Men  in  Vermont  are  striv- 
ing to  prepare  the  people  for  a change  in  favour  of 
Government.  He  wishes  me  to  represent  every  thing 
in  the  most  favourable  manner  to  the  General  and 
hopes  he  will  not  be  impatient.  He  says  it  is  as  requi- 
site the  people  should  be  prepossessed  against  the  pro- 
ceedings of  Congress  before  they  are  invited  to  a 
Union  with  Britain  as  it  is  for  a Christian  New  light 
to  be  perfectly  willing  to  be before  he  can  be- 

come a true  Convert.  This  Evening  Mr.  Allen  ob- 
served the bustles  among  the  powers  of  Europe 

would,  within  six  Months  change  the  face  of  American 
Affairs  but  did  not  know  nor  care,  whether  for  the 
better  or  worse.  I replied  he  must  have  a predom- 


418  ETIIAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

inant  wish  as  Neutrality  was,  in  principle,  in  my  opin- 
ion inadmissable.  He  said  he  should  not  deny  but 
principle  inclined  him  and  Vermont  in  general  for  the 
success  of  America  but  interest  and  self-preservation 
if  Congress  continued  to  oppress  them,  more  strongly 
inclined  them  to  wish  for  the  success  of  Great  Britain, 
and  fight  like  Devils  against  their  oppressors,  be  they 
who  they  might. 

********* 

“15th.  Colonel  Allen  seems  exceedingly  anxious  to 
return  and  often  says  his  presence  will  be  very  neces- 
sary at  the  next  Assembly,  as  they  will  not  know  how 
to  proceed  until  they  hear  what  he  has  to  report  from 
General  Haldimand. 

u18th.  I endeavoured  to  persuade  Colonel  Allen  to 
make  some  overtures  to  General  Haldimand  but  he 
still  says  he  is  not  authorised  and  cannot  do  any  thing 
of  the  kind.  He  thinks  the  General  will  be  convinced 
oy  the  reason  he  has  given  in  writing  that  the  leaders 
in  Vermont  are  doing  all  that  is  possible  to  effect  an 
Union  or  Neutrality,  and  that  General  Allen  was 
obliged  for  his  own  safety,  to  send  Colonel  Robinson’s 
Letters  to  Congress,  as  it  was  previously  known  in 
public  that  such  Letters  had  been  sent  to  him.  * * * 

“ 23rd.  Colonel  Allen  expatiates  on  the  dangers  and 
difficulties  attending  the  bringing  about  a Re-union  as 
a number  of  the  Council,  and  the  major  part  of  the 
Legislature  have  not  as  yet  the  least  idea  of  anything 
farther  than  neutrality,  and  many  of  them  are  ignorant 
of  that.  He  expresses  fears  that  it  will  not  be  accom- 
plished though  he  sincerely  wishes  it  may.  He  still 
thinks  the  principles  on  which  America  first  took  arms 
were  just*  but  he  sees,  with  regret,  that  Congress  has 
^earned  to  play  the  Tyrafit,  and  is  convinced  that  it  is 
for  the  interest  and  safety  of  Vermont  to  accept  of 
General  Haldimand’s  terms.  I told  him  he  talked  well, 
but  I wished  he  had  said  as  much  when  he  first  arrived, 
for  however  convinced  I may  be  of  his  candour  the 
change  gave  some  room  for  suspicion  that  he  now  acts 
from  design.  He  replied  that  General  Haldimand’s 
candour  demands  the  same  from  him,  and  that  he  has 


INTERVIEW  WITH  ENGLISH  AGENT. 


419 


not  altered  his  sentiments,  but  only  throws  them  out 
more  freely  than  he  at  first  intended  till  he  had  farther 
instructions  from  his  Employers,  but  the  candid  open 
man-ner  in  which  the  General  had  written  forbid  his 
acting  with  any  disguise. 

“24th.  Colonel  Allen  much  the  same  in  conversa- 
tion as  yesterday,  but  observes  that  he  knows  the  Gen- 
eral will  very  soon  hear  what  reports  he  makes,  and 
how  he  conducts  himself  after  he  gets  home,  he  wishes 
me  clearly  to  inform  the  General  with  the  method  he 
must  take  to  comply  with  his  demand  of  undeceiving 
the  other  States  respecting  the  Truce,  &c.  He  says  he 
must,  as  far  as  he  dares  possess  the  minds  of  the  peo- 
ple with  the  idea  of  a re-union.  He  shall  therefore  tell 
their  own  Officers  Commanding  at  Castletown  that  he 
cannot  tell  what  may  take  place,  but  they  must  keep 
themselves  in  readiness  for  all  events.  But  to  the  other 
States  he  shall  positively  declare  that  no  Truce  nor 
probability  of  one  subsists  between  General  Haldi- 
mand  and  Vermont,  and  this  he  should  have  done  for 
their  own  safety.  But  in  compliance  with  the  Gen- 
eral’s desire  he  shall  be  very  particular  in  this  declara- 
tion. 

‘25th.  I communicated  C’t.  Matthews’  letter  to  Col- 
onel Allen  respecting  Hews.  He  says  the  Hews  gives 
him  no  further  anxiety  than  to  excite  in  him  a desire 
to  know  how  this  war  will  terminate  for  under  the  pre- 
sent uncertainty  of  Vermont,  he  does  not  know  whether 
this  Hews  is  favorable  or  otherwise.  But  he  well 
knows  that  he  and  his  Family  have  large  Fortunes 
which  they  do  not  intend  to  lose,  if  there  is  a possibility 
of  saving  them.  At  all  risks  he  is  determined  that 
Congress  shall  not  have  the  parcelling  of  his  Lands  to 
their  avaricious  Minions.  I then  shewed  him  C’t.  Mat- 
thews’ Letter  of  the  General’6  sentiments.  He  appeared 
very  much  pleased  with  it,  and  engaged  his  honor  that 
the  General  should  hear  from  their  Assembly  by  the 
20th  of  next  July  and  as  much  sooner  as  possible,  but 
did  not  think  he  should  be  able  to  send  any  certain  ac- 
count of  the  result  until  that  time,  as  they  are  not  to 
assemble  till  about  the  middle  of  June  and  must  sit 


420  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

sometime  before  the  Business  could  be  fairly  opened  to 
the  whole  House,  after  which  it  would  necessarily  oc- 
casion long  and  warm  Debates  let  it  turn  out  as  it  might . 
in  the  end.  Mr.  Allen  and  myself  have  agreed  on  a 
signal  for  his  Messenger,  which  we  put  in  writing  and 
both  signed.  Should  General  Haldimand  find  it  abso- 
lutely necessary  to  send  a private  Express  to  Yermont, 
Colonel  Allen  desires  it  may  be  by  a man  of  trust  who 
may  be  directed  to  make  himself  known,  either  to 
Governor  Chittenden  Colonel  Allen  or  General  Allen 
or  one  of  the  following  Gentlemen  Colonel  Brownson 
Dr.  Fay  Judge  Faut  or  C’t.  Lyon.  The  Contents  of  the 
message  should  be  a secret  to  the  Messenger  written  on 
a small  piece  of  paper,  which  he  should  be  directed  to 
swallow,  or  otherwise  destroy  if  in  danger  of  being 
taken  by  a scout  from  Hew  York  and  he  should  be  very 
careful  to  shun  the  Yermont  Scouts.  On  these  condi- 
tions Col.  Allen  engaged  that  the  Messenger  shall  be 
immediately  sent  back.  Colonel  Allen  after  express- 
ing much  satisfaction  with  the  polite  treatment  he  had 
received  embarked  about  12  o’clock. 

These  negotiations  were  maintained  until  the  close 
of  the  war ; Ira  Allen,  * the  principal  agent  in  the 
affair,  always  finding  a plausible  reason  for  postponing 
final  and  decisive  action.  But  while  he,  and  a few 
others,  were  thus  successful  in  preventing  any  hostile 
movement  against  the  northern  frontier  of  the  United 

* Ira  Allen  was  born  in  1752.  He  went  to  Vermont  at  a very  early 
age.  After  the  establishment  of  the  government,  he  was  the  first  secre- 
tary of  state.  Subsequently  he  was  treasurer,  member  of  the  council  and 
surveyor-general.  He  rose  to  the  rank  of  major-general  of  militia,  and 
in  1795  went  to  Europe  to  purchase  arms  for  the  supply  of  his  state. 
Returning  with  several  thousand  muskets,  and  some  cannon,  he  was  cap- 
tured by  an  English  vessel  and  carried  to  England,  where  he  was  accused 
of  supplying  the  Irish,  then  in  open  rebellion,  with  arms.  A litigation 
of  eight  years,  in  the  court  of  admiralty,  was  the  consequence ; but  a 
final  decision  was  made  in  his  favor.  He  died  at  Philadelphia,  January 
7,  1814,  aged  62  years. 


IK  A A LTiF.N. 


421 


States,  the  people  at  large  were  in  entire  ignorance 
concerning  the  negotiations  which  were  carried  on,  al- 
though agents  were,  during  the  whole  progress  of  the 
affair,  passing  and  repassing  the  borders. 

Vermont,,  after  completing  its  eastern  and  western 
armies,  sent  delegates  to  congress  to  again  undertake 
to  have  the  state  admitted  into  the  union.  In  1781 
congress  appointed  a committee  to  confer  with  them, 
but  adopted  a resolution,  declaring  that  the  negotia- 
tion of  the  independence  of  Vermont  could  not  take 
place,  unless  the  state  should  recede  to  its  former  limits, 
and  relinquish  its  claim  to  the  territory  which  it  had 
acquired  from  New  Hampshire  on  the  east,  and  New 
York  on  the  west.  Vermont  at  first  refused  to  do  so, 
but  at  this  juncture,  General  Washington  opened  a 
correspondence  with  Governor  Chittenden  on  the  sub- 
ject, and  the  candor,  good  sense,  and  conciliatory  style 
of  the  Father  of  his  Country,  effected  what  congress 
could  not  have  done,  and  Vermont  finally  consented  to 
comply  with  the  requirement  in  regard  to  its  bounda- 
ries. But  after  this  had  been  done,  congress  found 
occasion  to  defer  its  final  action  in  regard  to  the  admis- 
sion of  Vermont  into  the  union. 

Notwithstanding  the  unsettled  . and  embarrassing 
state  of  her  relations  to  congress  and  the  neighboring 
states,  the  internal  tranquillity  of  Vermont  had  been, 
for  some  time,  but  little  disturbed.  Her  political  insti- 
tutions had  been  gradually  maturing,  and  the  organi- 
zation of  her  government  had  assumed  a regularity  and 
efficiency  which  commanded  the  obedience  and  respect 
of  the  great  body  of  the  citizens.  New  York  had  not 
relinpuished  her  claim  to  jurisdiction  over  the  territory, 


422  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

but  she  had  not,  of  late,  made  any  serious  effort 
to  exercise  it ; and  had  contented  herself  with  opposing 
the  admission  of  Vermont  into  the  union,  and  by  en- 
deavoring, in  the  manner  we  have  just  related,  to  bring 
over  the  people  to  her  own  interest.  But  while  a vast 
majority  of  the  people  of  Vermont  yielded  a willing 
obedience  to  her  authority,  and  were  ready  to  make 
almost  any  sacrifice  to  sustain  her  independence  and 
government,  there  were  some  among  her  citizens  whose 
submission  was  reluctant,  and  who  were  ready  to 
embrace  any  favorable  opportunity  to  renounce  their 
allegiance  and  support  the  claims  of  New  York. 

This  opposition  was  principally  confined  to  the  town 
of  Guilford  — at  that  period  the  most  populous  village 
in  the  state.  The  two  parties  in  this  town,  (the  friends 
of  Vermont  and  those  of  New  York,)  had  each  an 
organization  of  their  town ; and,  in  some  cases,  there 
were  two  sets  of  town-officers.  Between  these,  skirm- 
ishes often  occurred,  which  not  unfrequently  ended  in 
bloodshed.  The  enmity  of  these  parties  was  carried  to 
an  alarming  extent  during  the  years  1783  and  1784. 
Social  order  was  entirely  at  an  end  ; and  even  physi- 
cians were  not  allowed  to  pursue  their  avocations,  with- 
out procuring  a pass  from  the  several  committees.  In 
this  unpleasant  state  of  affairs,  General  Ethan  Allen 
was  directed  to  call  out  the  militia,  for  the  purpose  of 
enforcing  the  laws,  and  of  suppressing  the  symptoms 
of  civil  war  exhibited  among  the  people  of  Windham 
county.  In  accordance  with  these  directions,  ho 
marched  from  Bennington  with  a force  of  about  one 
hundred  Green-Mountain  Boys  ; and,  upon  his  arrival  at 
Guilford,  he  issued  the  following  unique  proclamation  * 


ETHAN  ALLEN  AN  AUTHOR. 


423 


“I,  Ethan  Allen,  declare,  that  unless  the  people  of 
Guilford  peaceably  submit  to  the  authority  of  Ver- 
mont, I will  make  the  town  as  desolate  as  were  the 
cities  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah !”  After  some  resist- 
ance, from  the  adherents  of  New  York,  Allen  was 
enabled  to  enforce  their  subjection  to  the  laws  of 
V ermont. 

Affairs  continued  in  this  condition  until  1789,  when 
liberal  councils  prevailed  in  New  York,  and  the  legis- 
lature consented  to  the  independence  of  Vermont 
There  was  no  further  obstacle  to  the  admission  of  Ver- 
mont into  the  union,  and  on  the  4th  of  March,  1791, 
the  auspicious  end  to  all  the  difficulties  which  had 
attended  the  organization  of  the  new  state,  was 
formally  announced. 

Previous  to  the  admission  of  Vermont  into  the  un- 
ion, Ethan  Allen  was  actively  engaged  in  the  main- 
tenance of  the  rights  of  the  people  he  loved  so  well, 
and  of  the  state  which  his  exertions  had  been  so 
greatly  instrumental  in  founding.  After  that  event,  he 
retired  to  private  life,  and  in  the  intervals  of  relaxa- 
tion from  business,  wrote  a work  entitled,  “Keason  the 
only  Oracle  of  Man,”  the  aim  of  which,  we  regret  to 
say,  was  to  controvert  the  truths  of  revealed  religion. 
He  gave  great  attention  to  its  composition,  and  was 
very  proud  of  it.  He  had  been  for  many  years  in 
the  habit  of  making  memoranda  of  his  thoughts  on 
the  subject,  and  evidently  believed  his  work  would 
subvert  Christianity.  Its  style  was  the  same  which 
characterized  his  political  pamphlets — bold,  artful, 
egotistical  and  unpolished,  but  evincing  remarkably 
strong  mental  powers.  Only  one  edition  was  ever 


424  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

published,  and  the  greater  portion  of  that  was  destroyed 
by  the  burning  of  the  office  in  which  it  was  printed. 
It  is  now  rarely  to  be  met  with,  and  the  existence 
of  the  work  upon  which  Ethan  Allen  confidently 
relied  for  enduring  fame,  is  scarcely  known  to  one 
in  a thousand  of  those  who  remember  with  patriotic 
pride,  the  sturdy  Hero  of  Ticonderoga. 

A very  affecting  story  has  long  been  current  in  con- 
nection with  Ethan  Allen’s  peculiar  views  concerning 
religion.  It  is  that  one  of  his  daughters  who  had  been 
instructed  in  the  principles  of  Christianity  by  a pious 
mother,  when  about  to  die,  expressed  a desire  to  see 
her  father.  When  he  appeared  at  her  bedside,  she 
said  to  him,  “I  am  about  to  die — shall  I go  to  my 
grave  with  the  principles  you  have  taught  me,  or  shall 
I believe  what  my  mother  has  taught  me  ? ” His  re- 
ply, it  is  said,  was,  “Believe  what  your  mother  has 
taught  you!”  The  anecdote,  although  often  quoted, 
as  a striking  illustration  of  the  inefficiency  of  infidelity 
on  the  death-bed,  and  the  consolation  that  is  afforded 
by  a strong  religious  faith  at  such  a time,  has  not,  it  is 
asserted  by  Allen’s  family,  any  foundation  in  truth. 

Notwithstanding  his  views  on  religion,  Allen  was  a 
thoroughly  honest  man,  and  detested  any  thing  like 
falsehood  or  meanness.  On  one  occasion,  an  individ- 
ual to  whom  he  was  indebted  had  commenced  a suit 
against  him.  Allen  being  unable  tv  pay  the  debt, 
employed  a lawyer  to  have  the  execution  of  legal 
process  against  him  postponed  for  a short  period.  As 
an  easy  measure  to  effect  this,  and  throw  the  case  over 
to  the  next  session  of  the  court,  the  lawyer  denied  the 
genuineness  of  the  signature ; Allen,  who  was  present 


allen’s  second  courtship. 


425 


stepped  angrily  forward,  and  exclaimed  to  his  aston 
ished  counsel,  “Sir,  I did  not  employ  you  to  come 
here  and  lie  ; I wish  you  to  tell  the  truth.  The  note 
is  a good  one — the  signature  is  mine  ; all  I want  is 
for  the  court  to  grant  me  sufficient  time  to  make  the 
payment!”  It  is  almost  needless  to  add  that  the 

plaintiff  acceded  to  his  wish.  

General  Allen,  who  had  at  various  times  resided  at 
Bennington,  Arlington  and  Tinmoutb,  at  last  took  up 
his  residence  on  the  Winooski.  His  first  wife  had 
never  removed  from  Connecticut,  but  died  there  dur- 
ing the  war.  His  courtship  of  his  second  wife  was 
characteristic.  During  a session  of  the  court  at  West- 
minster, Allen  appeared  with  a magnificent  pair  of 
horses  and  a black  driver.  Chief  Justice  Robinson 
and  Stephen  R.  Bradley,  an  eminent  lawyer,  were 
there,  and  as  their  breakfast  was  on  the  table,  they 
asked  Allen  to  join  them.  He  replied  that  he  had 
breakfasted,  and  while  they  were  at  the  table,  he  would 
go  in  and  see  Mrs.  Buchanan,  a handsome  widow  who 
was  at  the  house.  He  entered  the  sitting-room,  and  at 
once  said  to  Mrs.  Buchanan,  “Well,  Fanny,  if  we  are 
to  be  married,  lei  us  be  about  it.”  “Very  well,”  she 
promptly  replied,  “give  me  time  to  fix  up.”  In  a few 
minutes  she  was  -ready,  and  Judge  Robinson  was  at 
once  called  upon  by  them  to  perform  the  customary  cer- 
emony. Said  Allen,  “Judge,  Mrs.  Buchanan  and  I 
have  concluded  to  be  married  ; I don’t  care  much  about 
the  ceremony,  and  as  near  as  I can  find  out,  Fanny 
cares  as  little  for  it  as  I do ; but  as  a decent  respect  for 
the  customs  of  society  require  it  of  us,  we  are  willing 
to  have  the  ceremony  performed.”  The  gentlemen 


420  ET.JIAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 

present  were  much  surprised,  and  Judge  Robinson  re- 
plied, “General  Allen,  this  is  an  important  matter; 
have  you  thought  seriously  of  it?”  “Yes,  yes,”  ex- 
claimed Allen,  looking  at  Mrs.  Buchanan,  “but  it 
don’t  require  much  thought.”  Judge  Robinson  then 
rose  from  his  6eat  and  said,  “Join  your  hands  together. 
Ethan  Allen,  you  take  this  woman  to  be  your  lawful 
and  wedded  wife  : you  promise  to  love  and  protect  her 

according  to  the  law  of  God  and ” “Stop, 

stop,  Judge.  The  law  of  God,”  said  Allen,  looking 
forth  upon  the  fields,  “all  nature  is  full  of  it.  Yes,  go 
on.  My  team  is  at  the  door.”  As  soon  as  the  cere- 
mony was  ended,  General  Allen  and  his  bride  entered 
his  carriage  and  drove  off.* 

Allen  conversed  much  on  the  subject  of  religion,  and 
expressed  his  skeptical  views  on  all  convenient  occa- 
sions. At  one  time,  while  he  was  in  Westminster, 
Judge  Sessions  and  Stephen  R.  Bradley,  who  were 
zealous  Christians,  were  discussing  the  affairs  of  the 
church.  Allen,  who  entered  the  room,  at  the  time, 
interrupted  them  by  an  argument  against  the  divine 
origin  of  the  Bible.  Judge  Sessions,  not  liking  to  hear 
his  reasons,  said,  “ Mr.  Bradley,  I tjiink  we  had  better 
retire,  and  not  hear  this  man  talk.”  Allen  exclaimed, 
“Deacon  Sessions,  you  belong  to  the  church  militant — 
I belong  to  the  church  military  ; and  without  that,”  he 
continued  with  an  oath,  “you  can  never  belong  to  the 
church  triumphant ! ” 

General  Allen’s  kindness  of  heart  was  proverbial, 

• This  anecdote  is  given  on  the  authority  of  Hon.  William  C.  Bradley  ^ 
(son  of  Stephen  R.  Bradley,)  formerlv  a member  of  congress  from 
Vermont,  who  was  present  with  his  father  on  the  occasion 


427 


ALLEN  S KINDNESS  AND  f ATEIOTISM.. 

And  lie  was  always  ready  to  afford  relief  to  the  suffer- 
ing. At  one  time,  two  little  girls,  daughters  of  one  of 
the  pioneers  of  Vermont,  wandered  into  the  woods 
The  distressed  parents,  with  a few  neighbors,  com- 
menced a search,  which  was  continued  through  the 
night  without  success.  The  next  day  a large  number 
of  persons  from  the  neighboring  towns  joined  them, 
and  the  search  was  continued  till  the  afternoon  of  the 
third  day,  when  it  was  relinquished,  and  the  people 
who  had  been  out  were  about  to  return  to  their  homes 
Among  them,  however,  was  one  who  thought  the  search 
should  not  be  abandoned  ; and  this  was  Ethan  Allen. 
He  mounted  a stump,  and  soon  all  eyes  were  fixed  upon 
him.  In  his  laconic  manner,  he  pointed  to  the  father 
and  mother  of  the  lost  children  — now  petrified  with 
grief  and  despair  — bade  each  individual  present,  and 
especially  those  who  were  parents,  make  the  case  of 
these  parents  his  own,  and  then  say  whether  they  could 
go  contentedly  to  their  homes  without  one  further  effort 
to  save  those  dear  little  ones,  who  were,  probably,  now 
alive,  but  perishing  with  hunger,  and  spending  their 
last  strength  in  crying  to  father  and  mother  to  give 
them  something  to  eat.  As  he  spoke,  his  giant  frame 
was  agitated  — the  tears  rolled  down  his  cheeks,  and 
in  the  assembly  of  several  hundred  men,  but  few  eyes 
were  dry.  “I'll  go!  I’ll  go!” — was  at  length  heard 
from  every  part  of  the  crowd.  They  betook  themselves 
to  the  woods,  and  before  night  the  lost  children  were 
restored  in  safety  to  the  arms  of  the  distracted  parents. 

In  all  the  trying  scenes  of  Allen’s  life  — in  all  the 
vicissitudes  of  a protracted  and  cruel  captivity — he 
was  never  forgetful  of  the  rights  of  his  fellow-men,  or 


428  ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  GREEN-MOUNTAIN  HEROES. 


of  the  cause  of  his  country’s  liberty.  He  nobly  spurned, 
as  unworthy  of  the  principles  which  governed  him,  the 
honors  which  were  offered  him  to  join  the  royal  stand- 
ard. He  stood  firmly  by  his  country,  even  while  it 
frowned  upon  the  course  of  his  adopted  state — and  his 
memory  will  ever  be  cherished  by  a free  and  grateful 
people.  He  died  at  Burlington,  Yt.,  Feb.  12th,  1789, 
of  apoplexy,  while  yet  in  the  full  vigor  and  maturity  of 
manhood,  and  his  remains  rest  in  a beautiful  valley 
near  the  Winooskie,  where  his  grave  is  surrounded  by 
those  of  many  of  his-  kindred.  A plain  marble  tablet 
marks  the  spot,  upon  which  is  the  following  inscription  : 

The 

Corporeal  Part 
of 

Gen.  Ethan  Allen, 
rests  beneath  this  stone 
he  died 

the  12th  day  of  February,  1789, 
aged  50  years. 

His  spirit  tried  the  mercies  of  his  God, 

In  whom  he  believed  and  strongly  trusted. 


(Note  Referred  to  on  Page  346.) 

When  Sparks  was  writing  his  biographies,  he  visited  the  spot, 
and  found  in  the  vicinity  an  old  soldier,  who  was  an  eye-witness  to 
the  tragedy,  and  says:  “Miss  M’Crea  was  shot,  tomahawked,  and 
scalped  by  an  Indian.”  Gen.  Morgan  Lewis,  who  was  at  the  investi- 
gation of  the  affair,  had,  at  the  time,  and  who  was  also  consulted  by 
Mr.  Sparks,  fully  confirmed  the  old  soldier’s  story.  The  best  evi- 
dence, therefore,  is  in  favor  of  the  old  version  of  this  tragic  event. 


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